65 research outputs found

    Model and Technique over Software Requirement Prioritization

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    Requirement prioritization play a significant part in overcoming problems related to requirements and it use to increase customer satisfaction. Requirement prioritization is use to verify the correct functionality of product and guarantee that the software is built within the given constrains, like budget, cost, value, time and etc. Requirements prioritization reliant on the specific requirements of customer along with prediction of importance and cost of each requirements. The approaches proposed in modern days to prioritize requirements have not been widely used because of its complexity, its inconsistency and its time-consuming factor. This paper represents an analysis on obtainable prioritization techniques based on cost and benefit and drawbacks evaluation of requirements. This paper represents a new approach of requirement prioritization, which can be easily managed, implemented and used as decision-making device by decision maker for requirement prioritization. It also overcomes the drawback of existing requirement approaches. The results of newly proposed approach shows thatproposed model for requirement prioritization is simple and is useful for more refined critical decisions of prioritization, keeping in view the cost and benefit

    Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of Maternal and Neonatal Health services in Public Hospitals of district Dera Ghazi Khan

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    Abstract: Background: Poor utilization of healthcare services during pregnancy, child delivery, and postpartum is a significant cause of maternal and child mortality. Antenatal and postnatal care is the most effective intervention for maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, especially in areas where women's general health is poor. Objectives: This study was conducted to find out the mother's knowledge about maternal and neonatal services to determine the utilization of maternal and neonatal services in public hospitals of District Dera Ghazi Khan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a public hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data about the knowledge and utilization of antenatal care services among pregnant women. Results:The findings of the present study showed that 58.4% of respondents have good knowledge of antenatal care, while 41.6% showed poor ability. Among total respondents, 46.32% showed positive utilization of ANC services, while 53.68% showed poor utilization. A statistically significant difference has been found between respondents' income and ANC knowledge (p=0.02). A statistically significant difference was found between respondents' education and ANC knowledge (p=0.01). Among respondents who have their first pregnancy, 45(72.58%) have good ANC service utilization (p=0.002). Among respondents who were satisfied with the ANC services, 81(89.01%) were utilizing early ANC, whereas 10 (10.98%) were utilizing late ANC services (p=0.01). Conclusion:  Overall findings of this research have shown that respondents' knowledge and utilization of ANC were not satisfactory. For more improvement, there is a need to educate women and provide them with adequate facilities to utilize maternal and neonatal care services.  

    Correlation of Foot Wears with MSK Disorders in Ankle Joints Among Females

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    AIM: This paper is a report of study conducted to explain the factors that causes ankle sprain by wearing high heels among students of Sargodha medical college and university of Sargodha.BACKGROUND: High heeled shoes have been worn for several centuries and despite numerous cautions against their use, they remain extremely popular. Wearing high heeled shoes is thought to increase the individual’s likelihood of experiencing a lateral ankle sprain. The 19th century saw the first warnings that wearing high heels footwear could lead to trips and falls. Previous investigations have shown that high heeled shoes align the foot in planter flexion, modifying the relative orientation of the skeletal structures of ankle, midtarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints, and alter the insertion angles of the foot and gliding joint muscles, therefore increasing the risk factor for ankle sprain.METHODS: observational non-experimental study was conducted via a questionnaire which was distributed among 500 female students of SMC (Sargodha medical college) and university of Sargodha. These female students fall in age group between18-26.RESULT: The result of our study concluded that the types of heel and height of heel are the most significant factors that cause ankle sprain. The ankle sprain caused by wearing pencil heels and by use of <3 inch heels are greatest. Keywords: Pencil heel, height of heel, Ankle sprain, SMC, Female student. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/80-09 Publication date:September 30th 202

    Single-molecule fluorescence multiplexing by multi-parameter spectroscopic detection of nanostructured FRET labels

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    Multiplexed, real-time fluorescence detection at the single-molecule level is highly desirable to reveal the stoichiometry, dynamics, and interactions of individual molecular species within complex systems. However, traditionally fluorescence sensing is limited to 3-4 concurrently detected labels, due to low signal-to-noise, high spectral overlap between labels, and the need to avoid dissimilar dye chemistries. We have engineered a palette of several dozen fluorescent labels, called FRETfluors, for spectroscopic multiplexing at the single-molecule level. Each FRETfluor is a compact nanostructure formed from the same three chemical building blocks (DNA, Cy3, and Cy5). The composition and dye-dye geometries create a characteristic F\"orster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) efficiency for each construct. In addition, we varied the local DNA sequence and attachment chemistry to alter the Cy3 and Cy5 emission properties and thereby shift the emission signatures of an entire series of FRET constructs to new sectors of the multi-parameter detection space. Unique spectroscopic emission of each FRETfluor is therefore conferred by a combination of FRET and this site-specific tuning of individual fluorophore photophysics. We show single-molecule identification of a set of 27 FRETfluors in a sample mixture using a subset of constructs statistically selected to minimize classification errors, measured using an Anti-Brownian ELectrokinetic (ABEL) trap which provides precise multi-parameter spectroscopic measurements. The ABEL trap also enables discrimination between FRETfluors attached to a target (here: mRNA) and unbound FRETfluors, eliminating the need for washes or removal of excess label by purification. We show single-molecule identification of a set of 27 FRETfluors in a sample mixture using a subset of constructs selected to minimize classification errors.Comment: 43 pages, 6 figures, 13 Supplementary figures, 3 Supplementary tables, 5 Supplementary note

    Robust and efficient EBG-backed wearable antenna for ISM applications

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    A structurally compact, semiflexible wearable antenna composed of a distinctively miniaturized electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structure is presented in this work. Designed for body-centric applications in the 5.8 GHz band, the design draws heavily from a novel planar geometry realized on Rogers RT/duroid 5880 laminate with a compact physical footprint spanning lateral dimensions of 0.6 lambda 0 x 0.06 lambda 0. Incorporating a 2 x 2 EBG structure at the rear of the proposed design ensures sufficient isolation between the body and the antenna, doing away with the performance degradation associated with high permittivity of the tissue layer. The peculiar antenna geometry allows for reduced backward radiation and low specific absorption rate (SAR). With the inclusion of EBG, the gain of the antenna undergoes a considerable increase to 7.2 dBi with more than 95% reduction in SAR value. In addition, the front-to-back ratio also amplified to 13 dB. A rigorous analysis detailing the structural robustness is reported for varied bend angle configurations of the proposed antenna. To assess the suitability of the proposed design as a body-worn antenna, an experimental investigation is carried out on different parts of the body. Experimental findings are congruent with computationally obtained results, validating the applicability of the novel antenna structure for body-worn applications

    Regulation of Corticosteroidogenic Genes by MicroRNAs

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    The loss of normal regulation of corticosteroid secretion is important in the development of cardiovascular disease. We previously showed that microRNAs regulate the terminal stages of corticosteroid biosynthesis. Here, we assess microRNA regulation across the whole corticosteroid pathway. Knockdown of microRNA using Dicer1 siRNA in H295R adrenocortical cells increased levels of CYP11A1, CYP21A1, and CYP17A1 mRNA and the secretion of cortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 18-hydroxycorticosterone, and aldosterone. Bioinformatic analysis of genes involved in corticosteroid biosynthesis or metabolism identified many putative microRNA-binding sites, and some were selected for further study. Manipulation of individual microRNA levels demonstrated a direct effect of miR-125a-5p and miR-125b-5p on CYP11B2 and of miR-320a-3p levels on CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 mRNA. Finally, comparison of microRNA expression profiles from human aldosterone-producing adenoma and normal adrenal tissue showed levels of various microRNAs, including miR-125a-5p to be significantly different. This study demonstrates that corticosteroidogenesis is regulated at multiple points by several microRNAs and that certain of these microRNAs are differentially expressed in tumorous adrenal tissue, which may contribute to dysregulation of corticosteroid secretion. These findings provide new insights into the regulation of corticosteroid production and have implications for understanding the pathology of disease states where abnormal hormone secretion is a feature

    The constant threat of terrorism: stress levels and coping strategies amongst university students of Karachi

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    OBJECTIVES: To assess the levels of stress in the face of terrorism and the adopted coping strategies, amongst the student population of universities in Karachi . METHODS: A descriptive, cross sectional study was conducted on undergraduate students from four universities of Karachi. Self-administered questionnaires were filled out by 291 students. Pearson Chi-Square test was used to assess associations between stress levels and different variables at a level of significance of 0.05% . RESULTS: A total of 65.8% of the students had mild stress levels, 91.5% of university students were exposed to terrorism through television, while only 26.5% students reported personal exposure to terrorism. 67.4% students were forbidden by their parents to go out (p = 0.002). Most of those who had self exposure to an attack were the ones whose parents forbade them from going out (p = 0.00). Most commonly used coping strategy was increased faith in religion. Irritability was the most common stress symptom . CONCLUSION: A majority of students studying in universities of Karachi had mild stress levels due to the constant threat of terrorism whereas a minority had severe stress levels. Possible reasons for resilience and only mild stress levels could be the history of Karachi\u27s internal conflicts and its prolonged duration of being exposed to terrorism. These students who are positive for stress need to be targeted for counseling either through the media or through their universities. More extensive research is needed in this area

    DNA isolation protocol effects on nuclear DNA analysis by microarrays, droplet digital PCR, and whole genome sequencing, and on mitochondrial DNA copy number estimation.

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    Potential bias introduced during DNA isolation is inadequately explored, although it could have significant impact on downstream analysis. To investigate this in human brain, we isolated DNA from cerebellum and frontal cortex using spin columns under different conditions, and salting-out. We first analysed DNA using array CGH, which revealed a striking wave pattern suggesting primarily GC-rich cerebellar losses, even against matched frontal cortex DNA, with a similar pattern on a SNP array. The aCGH changes varied with the isolation protocol. Droplet digital PCR of two genes also showed protocol-dependent losses. Whole genome sequencing showed GC-dependent variation in coverage with spin column isolation from cerebellum. We also extracted and sequenced DNA from substantia nigra using salting-out and phenol / chloroform. The mtDNA copy number, assessed by reads mapping to the mitochondrial genome, was higher in substantia nigra when using phenol / chloroform. We thus provide evidence for significant method-dependent bias in DNA isolation from human brain, as reported in rat tissues. This may contribute to array "waves", and could affect copy number determination, particularly if mosaicism is being sought, and sequencing coverage. Variations in isolation protocol may also affect apparent mtDNA abundance

    Measuring routine childhood vaccination coverage in 204 countries and territories, 1980-2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020, Release 1

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    Background Measuring routine childhood vaccination is crucial to inform global vaccine policies and programme implementation, and to track progress towards targets set by the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) and Immunization Agenda 2030. Robust estimates of routine vaccine coverage are needed to identify past successes and persistent vulnerabilities. Drawing from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2020, Release 1, we did a systematic analysis of global, regional, and national vaccine coverage trends using a statistical framework, by vaccine and over time. Methods For this analysis we collated 55 326 country-specific, cohort-specific, year-specific, vaccine-specific, and dosespecific observations of routine childhood vaccination coverage between 1980 and 2019. Using spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression, we produced location-specific and year-specific estimates of 11 routine childhood vaccine coverage indicators for 204 countries and territories from 1980 to 2019, adjusting for biases in countryreported data and reflecting reported stockouts and supply disruptions. We analysed global and regional trends in coverage and numbers of zero-dose children (defined as those who never received a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis [DTP] vaccine dose), progress towards GVAP targets, and the relationship between vaccine coverage and sociodemographic development. Findings By 2019, global coverage of third-dose DTP (DTP3; 81.6% [95% uncertainty interval 80.4-82 .7]) more than doubled from levels estimated in 1980 (39.9% [37.5-42.1]), as did global coverage of the first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1; from 38.5% [35.4-41.3] in 1980 to 83.6% [82.3-84.8] in 2019). Third- dose polio vaccine (Pol3) coverage also increased, from 42.6% (41.4-44.1) in 1980 to 79.8% (78.4-81.1) in 2019, and global coverage of newer vaccines increased rapidly between 2000 and 2019. The global number of zero-dose children fell by nearly 75% between 1980 and 2019, from 56.8 million (52.6-60. 9) to 14.5 million (13.4-15.9). However, over the past decade, global vaccine coverage broadly plateaued; 94 countries and territories recorded decreasing DTP3 coverage since 2010. Only 11 countries and territories were estimated to have reached the national GVAP target of at least 90% coverage for all assessed vaccines in 2019. Interpretation After achieving large gains in childhood vaccine coverage worldwide, in much of the world this progress was stalled or reversed from 2010 to 2019. These findings underscore the importance of revisiting routine immunisation strategies and programmatic approaches, recentring service delivery around equity and underserved populations. Strengthening vaccine data and monitoring systems is crucial to these pursuits, now and through to 2030, to ensure that all children have access to, and can benefit from, lifesaving vaccines. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

    Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

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    Background Regularly updated data on stroke and its pathological types, including data on their incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability, risk factors, and epidemiological trends, are important for evidence-based stroke care planning and resource allocation. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) aims to provide a standardised and comprehensive measurement of these metrics at global, regional, and national levels. Methods We applied GBD 2019 analytical tools to calculate stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and the population attributable fraction (PAF) of DALYs (with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]) associated with 19 risk factors, for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. These estimates were provided for ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and all strokes combined, and stratified by sex, age group, and World Bank country income level. Findings In 2019, there were 12·2 million (95% UI 11·0–13·6) incident cases of stroke, 101 million (93·2–111) prevalent cases of stroke, 143 million (133–153) DALYs due to stroke, and 6·55 million (6·00–7·02) deaths from stroke. Globally, stroke remained the second-leading cause of death (11·6% [10·8–12·2] of total deaths) and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined (5·7% [5·1–6·2] of total DALYs) in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the absolute number of incident strokes increased by 70·0% (67·0–73·0), prevalent strokes increased by 85·0% (83·0–88·0), deaths from stroke increased by 43·0% (31·0–55·0), and DALYs due to stroke increased by 32·0% (22·0–42·0). During the same period, age-standardised rates of stroke incidence decreased by 17·0% (15·0–18·0), mortality decreased by 36·0% (31·0–42·0), prevalence decreased by 6·0% (5·0–7·0), and DALYs decreased by 36·0% (31·0–42·0). However, among people younger than 70 years, prevalence rates increased by 22·0% (21·0–24·0) and incidence rates increased by 15·0% (12·0–18·0). In 2019, the age-standardised stroke-related mortality rate was 3·6 (3·5–3·8) times higher in the World Bank low-income group than in the World Bank high-income group, and the age-standardised stroke-related DALY rate was 3·7 (3·5–3·9) times higher in the low-income group than the high-income group. Ischaemic stroke constituted 62·4% of all incident strokes in 2019 (7·63 million [6·57–8·96]), while intracerebral haemorrhage constituted 27·9% (3·41 million [2·97–3·91]) and subarachnoid haemorrhage constituted 9·7% (1·18 million [1·01–1·39]). In 2019, the five leading risk factors for stroke were high systolic blood pressure (contributing to 79·6 million [67·7–90·8] DALYs or 55·5% [48·2–62·0] of total stroke DALYs), high body-mass index (34·9 million [22·3–48·6] DALYs or 24·3% [15·7–33·2]), high fasting plasma glucose (28·9 million [19·8–41·5] DALYs or 20·2% [13·8–29·1]), ambient particulate matter pollution (28·7 million [23·4–33·4] DALYs or 20·1% [16·6–23·0]), and smoking (25·3 million [22·6–28·2] DALYs or 17·6% [16·4–19·0]). Interpretation The annual number of strokes and deaths due to stroke increased substantially from 1990 to 2019, despite substantial reductions in age-standardised rates, particularly among people older than 70 years. The highest age-standardised stroke-related mortality and DALY rates were in the World Bank low-income group. The fastest-growing risk factor for stroke between 1990 and 2019 was high body-mass index. Without urgent implementation of effective primary prevention strategies, the stroke burden will probably continue to grow across the world, particularly in low-income countries.publishedVersio
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