A conceptual architecture for integrating software defined network and network virtualization with internet of things

Software defined network (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) are new paradigms and technologies of the network which support the best experience of providing functions and services, managing network traffic, and a new way of control. They support virtualization and separating data from control in network devices, as well as provide services in a software-based environment. Internet of things (IoT) is a heterogeneous network with a massive number of connected devices and objects. IoT should be integrated with such technologies for the purpose of providing the capabilities of dynamic reconfiguration with a high level of integration. This paper proposes a conceptual architecture for integrating software defined network (SDN) and NFV with IoT. The proposed work combines the three technologies together in one architecture. It also presents the previous works in this area and takes a look at the theoretical background of those technologies in order to give a complete view of proposed work

The impact of corporate social responsibility activities on stakeholders' value co‐creation behaviour

AbstractThis paper analyses the relationships between corporate social responsible employees, corporate social responsible suppliers and customer value co‐creation behaviour in banking industry. More in detail it aims to investigate the mediating effect of relationship marketing orientation between corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and customer value co‐creation behaviour. Data collected from 383 banking customers are analysed through smart partial least square (PLS). The results highlight that corporate social responsible employees and suppliers have a positive impact on customer value co‐creation behaviour. Moreover, relationship marketing orientation has a mediating role between CSR activities and customer value co‐creation behaviour

Relationship between vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine levels and H. Pylori infection in patients with functional dyspepsia: a cross-section study

Background H. pylori infection has been associated with many micronutrient deficiencies. There is a dearth of data from communities with nutritional deficiencies and high prevalence of H. pylori infection. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of H. pylori infection on serum levels of vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods One hundred and thirty-two patients with FD undergoing gastroscopy were enrolled. The serum was analyzed for B12, folate and homocysteine levels before gastroscopy. H. pylori infection was diagnosed by histopathological examination of gastric biopsies and urea breath test. An independent sample t-test and the Mann–Whitney test were used to compare mean serum concentrations of biomarkers between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative groups of patients. A Chi-square test was performed to assess the differences among proportions, while Spearman’s rho was used for correlation analysis between levels of B12 and homocysteine. Results The mean age of the group was 40.3 ± 11.5 (19–72) years. Folate deficiency was seen in 43 (34.6%), B12 deficiency in 30 (23.1%) and hyperhomocysteinemia in 60 (46.2%) patients. H. pylori was present in 80 (61.5%) patients with FD while it was absent in 50 (38.5%). Mean serum levels of B12, folate and homocysteine in the H. pylori-positive group of patients were not significantly different from the levels in the H. pylori-negative group (357 ± 170 vs. 313 ± 136 pg/mL; p = 0.13), (4.35 ± 1.89 vs. 4.42 ± 1.93 ng/mL; p = 0.84); (15.88 ± 8.97 vs. 16.62 ± 7.82 μmol/L; p = 0.24); respectively. B12 deficiency (≤200 pg/mL) was 23.8% in the H. pylori-positive patients versus 22.0% in the H. pylori-negative patients. Folate deficiency (≤3.5 ng/mL) was 33.8% in the H. pylori-positive group versus 36% in the H. pylori-negative group. Hyperhomocysteinemia (\u3e15 μmol/L) was present in 46.2% of H. pylori-positive patients compared to 44% in the H. pylori-negative group. Correlation analysis indicated that serum B12 levels were inversely associated with serum levels of homocysteine in patients with FD (rho = −0.192; p = 0.028). Conclusions This study demonstrated an inverse relationship between serum levels of B12 and homocysteine in patients with FD. Moreover, no impact of the presence of H. pylori was found on B12, folate and homocysteine levels in such patients

Complications In The Management Of High-Energy Closed Fractures Of Proximal Tibial Plateau. A Retrospective Study

Objective: To analyze the management of high-energy Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures which are associated with infectious and noninfectious complications. Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rawalpindi Medical University from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2021. This is a retrospective study which is done in three years. Patients had to be between the ages of 18 and 60, have no history of arthritis, have a closed fracture of the proximal tibia (Schatzker type V and VI), or have AO type 41-C1, C2 or C3 involvement of the lower limb. Each patient received treatment using techniques such as internal fixation with locking plates and open reduction which are minimally invasive. Results: This study involved a total of 132 patients.Mean age was 35.15±10.59.115(87%) were men and 17(13%) were women out of 132. A total of 39 out of 132 patients experienced complications (29.54%). Infectious complications (18.93%) were found in (25/132) patients 16 out of 25 patients had superficial infections. Routine dressing changes and antibiotic treatment were carried out in patients who had superficial infections.9 out of 25 patients who had faced a deep-seated infection underwent repeated implant removal, debridements, amputation, and flap covering depending on the reaction of the host. Noninfectious complications had been reported in 14 patients(10.6%). Six patients had hardware-related issues and four of them required a secondary treatment.08 individuals had malalignment, with five of them having it in their immediate postoperative radiographs and three others having it in their late postoperative radiographs. Conclusion: In closed wounds, substantial soft tissue destruction is linked to the fractures of the proximal tibial plateau, particularly Shatzker type V and VI. By selecting the right patients and minimising soft tissue dissection, the problems related to the management of these fractures can be reduced.

Comparison Of Prophylactic Injection Of Corticosteroid With Placebo, In Management Of Wrist Pain On Ulnar Aspect In Patients Of Fractures Of Distal Radius

INTRODUCTION: Distal radius fractures are one of the commonest fractures experienced by the Orthopaedic surgeons. Pain on the ulnar aspect of the wrist is the most usual complication of such fractures.  Corticosteroid injection is a simple and effective method for elevating pain of such nature.  OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean pain score with prophylactic corticosteroid injection versus placebo in management of wrist pain on ulnar aspect in patients presenting with fracture of distal radius. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study Design: Randomized controlled trial Setting: Orthopedic Surgery Department, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi Duration: Six months (March 5, 2018 to Sept 5, 2018) Data Collection Procedure: 80 patients were included by using non-probability consecutive sampling after fulfilling the selection criteria. Demographic profile (patient name, age, gender, anatomical side and contact details) was obtained. Patients were splitted in two random groups by simple lottery method. Patients of group A were given one shot of 80mg corticosteroid in the area of ulnar styloid process near TFCC and group B patients were given a shot of distilled water (2 cc). Both group of patients were followed in OPD for 3 months in their postoperative visits. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.05 ± 11.05 years and age range of 40 years. The mean age in the corticosteroid and placebo groups was 39.68±10.67 years and 42.42 ± 11.39 years respectively. There were 42 (52.50%) male and 38 (47.50%) female patients with a higher male ratio i.e., 1.10:1. In corticosteroid and placebo groups there were 21 (52.50%) male and 19 (47.50%) female cases. The mean pain at baseline was 7.72 ± 1.66 while in the corticosteroid and placebo group, the mean pain was 7.60 ± 1.67 and 7.85 ± 1.65 respectively with statistically equal mean pain p-value = 0.504. After 3 months of treatment, mean pain in the corticosteroid group was 1.30 ± 0.66 and was 2.60 ± 1.58 in the placebo group, p-value < 0.001. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that prophylactic corticosteroid injection is more effective in reducing pain in patients with distal radial fracture than placebo. By using prophylactic corticosteroid injections in the future, we can reduce pain to achieve more satisfaction of patients.

Prevalence of Dental Anomalies in an Adult Dentate Najaf /Iraqi Population by Using Digital Panoramic Radiographs

مقدمه: أجريت دراسات مختلفة عبر مجموعات سكانية مختلفة وأظهرت درجات متفاوتة من انتشار تشوهات الأسنان. كان الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو تقييم انتشار تشوهات الأسنان بين سكان النجف / العراق. طرق العمل:    تم إجراء دراسه للاشعات البانوراميه الاساسيه لـ 750 شخصًا تتراوح أعمارهم بين 18 و 40 عامًا ، وتم فحص أسنان وفكين المرضى بالأشعة من حيث العدد والحجم والتركيب والموقع وشكل الأسنان . بالإضافة إلى  ذلك جود حجر فى اللب والتشوهات غير الشفافة في الفك تمت دراستها. تم تحليل النتائج باستعمال اختبار كاى سكوير   النتائج: وأظهرت النتائج أن نسبة انتشار تشوهات الأسنان كانت (32.8٪). والتشوهات في عدد الأسنان كانت (4.19٪) ، الحجم (10٪) ، التركيب (0٪) ، الموقع (50.33٪) ، الشكل (27.74٪) ، حجر فى اللب (5.48٪) ، والتشوهات الفكيه غير الشفافة شكلت (2.26٪).  كان أكثر أنواع التشوهات السنية شيوعًا هو تشوهات موقع الأسنان ، و 55.48٪ من الحالات الشاذة للأسنان كانت مرتبطة بأسنان الفك العلوي ، و 44.52٪ كانت مرتبطة بأسنان الفك السفلي.     كانت الأسنان الزائدة ، والأسنان الخلقية المفقودة ، والتبديل بالموقع ، والتخدد الداخلى والخارجى  كانت مرتبطة في الغالب بالقواطع العلوية ، بينما لوحظ الإزاحة بالموقع في الغالب مرتبطة بالأنياب العلوية. ارتبطت الأضراس العلوية في الغالب بحجر اللب والجذور المندمجة وصغر الحجم السنى ارتبطت الجذور الزائدة في الغالب مع الضواحك السفلية ، في حين أن الانقلاب ، والانحشار ، والتقوس ، وأسنان الثور ، ولآلئ المينا ترتبط في الغالب بالأضراس السفلية. شوهدت جميع التشوهات الفكيه غير الشفافة مصاحبة للفك السفلي فقط. الاستنتاجات: يعد التشخيص المبكر وتحديد مدى انتشار تشوهات الأسنان أمرًا مهمًا في تخطيط العلاج للمرضى.Background:    Studies were done across different populations showed a varying degrees of prevalence of dental anomalies. The present study was aimed to evalu­ate the dental anomalies prevalence for Najaf/Iraq population.  Methods:    Analysis was done for the standard Orthopantomograph of 750 subjects with ages ranging between 18 and 40 years. The teeth and jaws were examined radiographically for number, size, structure, position, and shape of the teeth. In addition, the presence of pulp stone and radio-opaque dental anomalies in the jaw was also studied. Chi-squared test was carried for the data analysis. Results:   The prevalence of dental anomalies was (32.8%).  Anomalies in number of teeth was (4.19%), size (10%), structure (0%), position (50.33%), shape (27.74%), pulp stone (5.48%), and the jaws radio-opaque anomalies constitutes (2.26%). The most common type of dental anomalies was anomalies of tooth position, and 55.48% of dental anomalies were associated with the maxillary teeth, and 44.52% were associated with the mandibular teeth.     The supernumerary teeth, congenital missing teeth, transposition, dens evaginatus, and dens invaginatus were mostly associated with the upper incisors, while the displacement was mostly seen associated with the upper canines.  Upper molars were mostly associated with pulp stone, fused roots and microdontia.    The supernumerary roots were mostly associated with lower premolars, while inversion, impaction, dilaceration, taurodontism, and enamel pearls are mostly associated with lower molars. All radio-opaque jaws anomalies were seen associated with the lower jaw only. Conclusion:   The determination of prevalence of dental anomalies is important for the early diagnosis and treatment planning of patients

Serovalue of hydatid disease in Baghdad

Background: Echinococcus granulosus is a one major species of medical and public health importance which causes cystic echinococcosis.Hydatid disease is able to modulate antiparasite immune responses, persist and flourish in humans. Objective: The main objective of this study is to diagnostic value for hydatidosis and to identify the prevalence in human in two different areas of Baghdad city which include urban and rural areas. Evaluating hydatid fluid antigen and hydatid cyst wall antigen for diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis(CE). preparation ELISA kit for detecting specific antibodies in patients and relative sera is considered as an important step in determining the recurrent case after surgical operation. Patients and Methods: Fifty patients infected with hydatidosis , One-hundred and seven relatives’ patients and Thirty patients’ follow-up. NAJAT-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and NAJAT-latex test for the Immunodiagnosis of cystic echinococcosis of human hydatid disease by detecting the specific antibodies in patients. Results: hydatidosis in females was the same as in the males. One-hundred and seven relatives’ patients. In rural area the seroprevalence were 12 male cases and 4 female cases ,While in urban area 5male cases,5 female cases,respectively. Thirty patients’ follow-up four patients developed recurrences at 3-7 months postoperatively. Conclusion: In relatives’ patients no statistically significant differences in the frequency between both sexes. But a highly statistically significant differences (p=0.05) were shown between hydatidosis infected persons in relation to area(urban area,rural area). There were no significant differences in the rates seropositive case for different occupations(p=0.05). NAJAT-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and NAJAT-latex test appeared to be a useful confirmatory tests with specific antigens represent good candidates for the Immunodiagnosis of cystic echinococcosis of human hydatid disease by detecting the specific antibodies in patients

Single nucleotide polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis of the exon 2 of leptin gene in Lohi sheep

Background: Leptin hormone, encoded by leptin (LEP) gene is involved in many biological and physiological processes in the body. Polymorphism in LEP gene has been observed and correlated with a variety of reproductive and productive traits in several sheep breeds worldwide, but its role has not been much studied in local sheep breeds of Pakistan. The present study was conducted to analyze polymorphism in LEP gene in Lohi breed of sheep.Methods: Subsequent to statistical analysis (generalized linear model), 18 animals were selected randomly from the flock for blood samples collection followed by DNA extraction, amplification using PCR prior to sequencing. The amplified product of exon 2 and partial intron 2 regions of LEP gene was 268bp.Results: Molecular analysis showed a heterozygous condition i.e. C>Y at position 15 and 18 in exon 2. The data on average daily weight gain (ADG) from birthday to 90 days were used for association study, while environmental effects were minimized by means of generalized linear model. Association of polymorphisms in LEP gene with ADG did not yield any significant results.Conclusion: In conclusion, analysis of LEP gene sequence verified the existence of genetic changes in Lohi sheep. Further investigations are needed to find variations that might be linked with traits of economic importance for upcoming breeding program sand marker-assisted selection.Keywords: DNA; Exon 2; LEP; PCR; Loh

Frequency and Anatomical Distribution of Pulmonary Embolism on CT Pulmonary Angiography

Background: Pulmonary embolism, with its growing prevalence, has become a potentially life-threatening medical condition with crucial symptoms. However, prognosis is good if timely diagnosis is made and to the level of segmental and sub segmental arteries as well. Standard computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is thus used to diagnose acute pulmonary embolism. Objective: The primary objective of the current study was to determine and investigate the anatomical distribution frequency of pulmonary emboli, where segmental, sub segmental, and lobar arteries on CT pulmonary angiography are included. Methodology: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, single-centered studies and CTPA scans of 98 patients were included. Data was obtained from Shalimar Hospital and University of Lahore – Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Sample size included patients of all age groups with suspected pulmonary embolism, with no differentiation of male or female samples. Results: According to statistics and analysis, the current study results indicated the presence of pulmonary embolism in 36 patients and its absence in 62 patients. Results indicated that amongst the 98 patients scanned, the highest frequency of pulmonary emboli was found in the pulmonary trunk and lobar artery in 8 patients (8.2%). Furthermore, CTPA of the participants detected pulmonary emboli in segmental and sub-segmental arteries of 5 patients (5.1%), with another 2 patients showing pulmonary emboli in only the sub-segmental artery (2.0%). Another 2-2 patients showed pulmonary emboli in lobar and segmental artery and lobar, segmental and sub-segmental artery respectively (2.0%, 2.0%). Conclusion: The largest number of pulmonary emboli were found in the pulmonary trunk, followed by emboli of segmental and lobar arteries in patients. It is concluded that CTPA evaluates pulmonary embolism with great precision and anatomical distribution localized main trunk, and pulmonary artery emboli along with lobar, segmental and sub-segmental artery emboli. Keywords: Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA), pulmonary emboli, segmental artery, sub segmental artery, lobar arteries DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/100-02 Publication date:May 31st 202