How 5G wireless (and concomitant technologies) will revolutionize healthcare?

The need to have equitable access to quality healthcare is enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which defines the developmental agenda of the UN for the next 15 years. In particular, the third SDG focuses on the need to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”. In this paper, we build the case that 5G wireless technology, along with concomitant emerging technologies (such as IoT, big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning), will transform global healthcare systems in the near future. Our optimism around 5G-enabled healthcare stems from a confluence of significant technical pushes that are already at play: apart from the availability of high-throughput low-latency wireless connectivity, other significant factors include the democratization of computing through cloud computing; the democratization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing (e.g., IBM Watson); and the commoditization of data through crowdsourcing and digital exhaust. These technologies together can finally crack a dysfunctional healthcare system that has largely been impervious to technological innovations. We highlight the persistent deficiencies of the current healthcare system and then demonstrate how the 5G-enabled healthcare revolution can fix these deficiencies. We also highlight open technical research challenges, and potential pitfalls, that may hinder the development of such a 5G-enabled health revolution

Citrus Value Chain(s): A Survey of Pakistan Citrus Industry

Pakistan is producing more than 30 types of different fruits of which citrus fruit is leading among all fruit and constitutes about 30% of total fruit production in the country. Above 90% of citrus fruits are produced in Punjab province and distributed through different value chains in domestic as well as in international markets. A large part of citrus fruit produced in Pakistan is mostly consumed locally without much value addition; however, 10–12% of total production is exported after value addition. The value chains are very diverse, and a number of different players actively participate in these chains, which ultimately decide the destination of citrus fruit in these supply chain(s). Knowing all these facts, the main aim of this research is to identify different value chains of citrus fruit (Kinnow) in Pakistan and also to identify and discuss the role and function of different value chain players in the citrus industry in Pakistan. A survey involving of different players of Pakistan’s citrus industry was conducted in 2013–2014 to better understand the citrus value chain(s). Using a convenience sampling technique, a total of 245 respondents were interviewed during a period of 4–5 months from three leading citrus-producing districts. It was found that citrus value chains can be classified into two major types: unprocessed citrus value chain and processed citrus value chains. It was also found that in the past, a large number of citrus growers were involved in preharvest contracting for their orchards and only a small number of citrus growers sold their orchards directly into local and foreign markets. The proportion has been gradually changed now and growers are becoming progressive and more market oriented

MEASURING INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS OF MBBS STUDENTS

The main purpose of this study was to measure the information literacy skills of MBBS students at King Edward Medical University Lahore, Punjab Pakistan. The quantitative research method was used to carry out the study. A convenient sampling technique was used to collect data from the entire sample. The total number of respondents was 309 with a total response rate of 91.69%. SPSS 22nd version was used to analyze the gathered data from respondents. Descriptive statistics were applied to check the frequency, percentage and reported in the form of tabulation. Moreover, the mean and standard deviation was also found to find out the results. The results showed that respondents were usually able to decide where and how to find the information and select information most appropriate to the information need. However, respondents were occasionally able to identify a variety of potential sources of information, evaluate information critically, differentiate between fact and opinion, and limit search strategies by subject, language and date. The usage of internet resources was a strength and opinioned as good while ethical and legal use of information, computer literacy skills, use of searching techniques and tools for information retrieval, and research skills were opinioned as fair. The printed information literacy instruction was preferred by KEMU students whereas online courses, orientation by librarians and seminars and workshops were not preferred by the respondents

MONOSTOTIC OSTEOFIBROUS DYSPLASIA OF THE TIBIA

An 11-year-old boy presented with painful swelling of leg following fracture of tibia. Osteo brous dysplasia (OFD) is an uncommon, benign, non-hereditary bone disorder in which brous tissue develops in place of normal bone that affects the young adults in their rst and second decade of life. Tc-99m MDP whole-body bone scintigraphy revealed increased tracer uptake in dense proximal tibia. On single-photon remission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT), radiological features of cortical-based lesion superimposed on abnormal tracer uptake con rmed it to be a monostotic OFD. This case emphasises the role of SPECT-CT and magnetic resonance imaging in detecting osteo brous dysplasia and differentiating it from other benign bone conditions. Key words: Bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging, monostotic osteo brous dysplasia, single-photon emission computed tomography computed tomography, tibi

Transportation decisions in supply chain management using interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy soft information

[EN] The selection of a reliable and competent transportation company is a typical multi-criteria group decision- making (MCGDM) challenge in supply chain management. MCGDM has been widely used for decision support under ambiguity and uncertainty. This paper considers this problem in the setting of interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy soft sets (IVq-ROFSS), a novel extension of fuzzy sets that presents an integrated approach to interpreting imperfect and ambiguous data. This study explores the novel Einstein aggregation operators (AOs) for this model, specifically the interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy soft Einstein weighted average (IVq-ROFSEWA) and interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy soft Einstein weighted geometric (IVq-ROFSEWG). These operators can consider large amounts of data that include all connections among parameters. Their fundamental properties (such as idempotency, boundedness, homogeneity, monotonicity, and shift invariance) are presented and proven. With the assistance of the new Einstein AOs, we design a novel MCGDM approach. A case study is presented to choose the most reliable transportation company that endorses the rationality and credibility of the proposed decision-making technique in supply chain management. Hence, this research helps with an innovative decision-support structure for assessing transport corporations

Isolation of thymoquinone from Nigella sativa L. and Thymus vulgaris L., and its anti-proliferative effect on HeLa cancer cell lines

Purpose: To isolate thymoquinone (TQ) from Nigella sativa L. and Thymus vulgaris L., and investigate its anti-proliferative effect on HeLa cancer cells.Method: Pulverized dried samples of N. sativa seed (100 g) and aerial parts of T. vulgaris (1000 g) were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol and n-hexane combined in different proportions. Thymoquinone (TQ) was then isolated from the extracts using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The isolated TQ was further subjected to Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify its functional groups. The anti-proliferative effect of TQ on HeLa cancer cells was evaluated using 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.Results: Extract yield from N. sativa was significantly higher than from T. vulgaris, and also increased with increase in the proportion of methanol in the extraction solvent (p < 0.05). Methanol and n-hexane (4:1, v:v) yielded the highest amount of oil, with yields of 15.8 and 9.7 ml/25 g dry weight (d.wt.) from N. sativa and T. vulgaris, respectively. The results obtained from HPLC showed that the concentration of TQ isolated from N. sativa (388.61 μg/ml) was significantly higher than that from T. vulgaris (357.03 μg/ml, p < 0.05). The anti-proliferative effects of TQ standard and TQ isolated from N. sativa on HeLa cancer cells were dose-dependent, and was highest at the lowest concentration. The number of viable cells significantly decreased with increase in TQ concentration (p < 0.01). TQ from N. sativa significantly reduced the number of viable cells even at the lowest concentration when compared to TQ standard (p < 0.05). Cell death was significantly higher in TQ-treated groups than in untreated cancer cells.Conclusion: The results obtained in this study show that N. sativa is a potential source of TQ, with the yield enhanced by modifying the extraction procedure or solvent used. Furthermore, TQ isolated from N. sativa exerts a dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect on HeLa cancer cells.Keywords: Thymoquinone, Nigella sativa, Thymus vulgaris, Anti-proliferative effec

On time dependent MHD nanofluid dynamics due to enlarging sheet with bioconvection and two thermal boundary conditions

The current study pertains to heat and mass transportation of magnetic fluid flow having dilute diffusion of nanoparticles and motile microorganisms over a permeable stretched sheet to examine the influence of thermal radiation and activation energy. Similarity functions are utilized to convert the highly mixed non-linear partial differential equations into higherorder non-linear ordinary differential equations. Five coupled equations are derived to be resolved numerically by employing a computing function Bvp4c, built-in Matlab. Two sets of thermal boundaries prescribed surface temperature (PSF) and prescribed heat flux (PHF) are considered. Basic physical quantities, temperature distribution, concentration, velocity field, and motile micro-organism profiles are observed as influenced by emerging parameters. The microorganisms distribution undergoes decreasing behavior against growing values of bio-convection Lewis number and Peclet number. These results are highly useful in the application of heat-transmitting devices and microbial fuel cells. It is seen that decreasing trend is observed in velocity profile when parameters Nr and Nc are uplifted. Also, the motility of the nanofluid decreases when the Lb parameter is raised. On the other hand, an increase in Peclet number Pe showed a rising trend in motility profile. Additionally, the implications of Brownian motion, Rayleigh number, Bioconvection Lewis number thermophoresis parameter, Peclet number, and buoyancy ratio parameter are discussed. Moreover, the obtained outcomes are validated as compared to the existing ones as limiting cases. Representative findings for microorganism concentration, skin friction coefficient, temperature gradient, local Sherwood number and density number of motile microorganisms, velocity field, temperature, the volumetric concentration of nanoparticles, are discussed in tabulated and graphical form

Design and development of smart weight measurement, lateral turning and transfer bedding for unconscious patients in pandemics

Producción CientíficaPatient care and convenience remain the concern of medical professionals and caregivers alike. An unconscious patient confined to a bed may develop fluid accumulation and pressure sores due to inactivity and deficiency of oxygen flow. Moreover, weight monitoring is crucial for an effective treatment plan, which is difficult to measure for bedridden patients. This paper presents the design and development of a smart and cost-effective independent system for lateral rotation, movement, weight measurement, and transporting immobile patients. Optimal dimensions and practical design specifications are determined by a survey across various hospitals. Subsequently, the proposed hoist-based weighing and turning mechanism is CAD-modeled and simulated. Later, the structural analysis is carried out to select suitable metallurgy for various sub-assemblies to ensure design reliability. After fabrication, optimization, integration, and testing procedures, the base frame is designed to mount a hydraulic motor for the actuator, a DC power source for self-sustenance, and lockable wheels for portability. The installation of a weighing scale and a hydraulic actuator is ensured to lift the patient for weight measuring up to 600 pounds or lateral turning of 80 degrees both ways. The developed system offers simple operating characteristics, allows for keeping patient weight records, and assists nurses in changing patients’ lateral positions both ways, comfortably massage patients’ backs, and transport them from one bed to another. Additionally, being lightweight offers reduced contact with the patient to increase the healthcare staff’s safety in pandemics; it is also height adjustable and portable, allowing for use with multiple-sized beds and easy transportation across the medical facility. The feedback from paramedics is encouraging regarding reducing labor-intensive nursing tasks, alleviating the discomfort of long-term bed-ridden patients, and allowing medical practitioners to suggest better treatment plans

Meshfree numerical approach for some time-space dependent order partial differential equations in porous media

In this article, the meshfree radial basis function method based on the Gaussian function is proposed for some time-space dependent fractional order partial differential equation (PDE) models. These PDE models have significant applications in chemical engineering and physical science. Some main advantages of the proposed method are that it is easy to implement, and the output response is quick and highly accurate, especially in the higher dimension. In this method, the time-dependent derivative terms are treated by Caputo fractional derivative while space-dependent derivative terms are treated by Riesz, Riemann-Liouville, and Grünwald-Letnikov derivatives. The proposed method is tested on some numerical examples and the accuracy is analyzed by $\|L\|_\infty$