Lightweight multi-agent framework for a cluster-based wireless sensor network

L

Lightweight multi-agent framework for a cluster-based wireless sensor network

Sensor applications and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are becoming a part of our everyday life. A number of network arrangements are used in WSN. In this paper, we focus on the cluster based network to help identify the issues associated with communication within such networks. We present a light- weight multi-agent routing framework for a cluster based WSN to resolve some issues associated with such networks. By using state- of-art protocol in a unique combination and categorizing cluster layers, we take full advantage of the properties of the selected protocols. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed method is light-weight in terms of energy consumption by the sensor nodes communicating information within a cluster based network. Nevertheless, high network throughput and robust data communication are also achieved

Secure multi-level Cluster based wireless sensor network

The demand of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is on the raise due to its potential applications. The data transmission occurs via a wireless link by the sensor node in network hence these nodes are vulnerable to several outside or inside attacks. A WSN may works in an unfriendly environment therefore it is a fundamental requirement of WSN to secure the sensing data. In this paper, we focus on highlighting the security issues in a multi-layer WSN architecture and provide a secure communication solution (combination of various state- of-art protocols) for it by considering the WSN constraints. We propose a multi-level protocol distribution method to enhance the security of the WSN under consideration via targeting and providing resilience to specific attacks at each level. The simulation and results show that by implementing our proposed method, the overall security of the network has been enhanced

A critical exploration of talent management strategy and practice within Pakistani banking organisations

Talent management (TM) has been defined as a systematic and strategic approach to the management, development and retention of human resources. Talent management proposes that people represent a source of competitive advantage for organisations. However, talent management is relatively a new concept in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) both as an academic discipline and in practice. As a result, it lacks a definite conceptual foundation in the academic literature which hampers understanding of talent management and its implications. Talent management thus presents a topical and challenging area of enquiry. Moreover, although talent management as a concept and as a set of management practice is established within Western organisations, it is a new and under-researched area within developing economies. Accordingly, the overall aim of this research was to investigate talent management strategy both conceptually and practically within the unique context of a developing economy. This research has focused on the banking sector in Pakistan which is seen as a key driver of macroeconomic development and key to the wider development and sustainability of the economy. Following increased foreign investment in Pakistan, a substantial number of multinational corporations (MNCs) are contributing to the economic and business advancement and development of the country, and MNCs are implementing dramatic changes in HRM policies and practices within Pakistani organisations. Notwithstanding, the implementation of HRM policies and practices in MNCs, there is continuing evidence that contextual factors remain major obstacles to the adoption of strategic HRM policy and practice in Pakistani organisations both public and private. This picture is reflected in the Pakistani banking industry. Talent management is an emerging concept in the West but under developed in Pakistan, hence the current research was timely, appropriate and relevant. This empirical research was based on case study research within Pakistani banks and contributes to knowledge and understanding in four significant ways. Firstly, understanding of HRM policy and practice within a developing economy addressed a gap in the literature on the specific topic of talent management. Second, the research contributed methodologically through novel adoption of a mixed method approach. Existing research in the area of HRM in Pakistan tended to focus on survey and quantitative data whereas this research incorporated a qualitative aspect. Third, this research contributed conceptually to the holistic understanding of talent management with special reference to the banking sector of Pakistan. It explored the applicability of Western models of people management within the unique context of developing economy and identified contextual factors affecting talent management within Pakistani banks. Lastly, this research contributed practically to policymaking and the development of effective talent management strategies for Pakistani organisations

Investigating the Impact of Resilience on Learners’ Motivated Behavior of L2 and Proficiency in English of University Students at Karachi, Pakistan

This research article investigates the resilience and its various constituting factors and their subsequent relation with Motivated L2 Learning Behavior and English Proficiency among the first year students of two public sector universities of Pakistan. For this quantitative and variables oriented study 260 students were conveniently selected who participated in the study, out of which 152 and 108 were males and females respectively. For data collection of this quantitative study, a five point likert scale Questionnaire ranging from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree was employed. The questionnaire comprised 31 items which were further distributed in five dimensions of Resilience (Perceived Happiness, Empathy, Sociability, Persistence and Self Regulation) and Motivated L2 Learning Behaviour as 26 and 05 respectively in order to determine the students’ resilience and L2 Motivated Behaviour. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) test was also conducted in order to measure the English proficiency skills of the students. Moreover, the correlation among the independent and dependent variables and the impact of resilience factors on Motivated L2 Behaviour and English Proficiency was analyzed with the help of standard regression analysis.   The results revealed that the four dimensions of resilience significantly influenced Motivated L2 Learning Behaviour whereas; three factors of resilience affected English Proficiency as well. The study can help in understanding the concept of resilience and can be applied to other academic disciplines

Production performance of horizontal wells in gas-condensate reservoirs.

Gas condensate reservoirs go under two kinds of changes in their lifetime. The phase change and the physical properties change. Both the changes have been handled in this study using the pseudopressure function integral concept. In three phase system accumulating condensate, along with gas phase production, reduces the water production, a very positive impact. Much of the gas phase that goes in the liquid phase is recovered in the form of the liquid. Also it was observed that the mobile liquid condensate cleans the formation. This impact was observed from the continuously decreasing skin factor that was estimated as a function of pressure, an impact never seen before.Finally several examples have been solved for two and three phase wells to show the use of the mathematical models developed.A new method of establishing performance of vertical and horizontal wells completed in gas-condensate reservoirs has been developed. This method does not require relative permeability curves as a function of saturation, instead pressure transient well test data is used to establish the effective permeability as a function of pressure. Surface production data and the pressure transient data are then combined to forecast the well performance. Several new equations of effective permeability in two phase and three phase systems have been introduced from the definitions of producing gas-oil, water-oil, and gas-water ratios for two and three phase systems. Also the new method allows to determine the loss in gas well deliverability mathematically after the condensate has begun to liquefy. Thus well efficiency and damage factor can now be calculated analytically. Also well testing equations have been redefined in order to estimate the effective permeability as a function of pressure. Tiab's Direct Synthesis (TDS) technique of pressure transient analysis has also been applied to horizontal gas wells that can also be used for gas-condensate wells.To predict the well performance in multiphase producing environment relative permeability as a function of saturation is used which requires the prior knowledge of the saturation at all the times. Saturation is usually estimated from material balance and reservoir simulation. Also relative permeability curves have to be developed in the laboratory on core samples, an expensive and time consuming process. For individual operators who usually operate on minimum margins of profit, obtaining such data can be an economic challenge. In Oklahoma, regulatory bodies require every well to be tested once a year. Thus a valuable pressure transient data is available on yearly basis. Using that data to forecast well performance can have a profound economic impact on the oil and gas industry. Thus relative permeability curves as a function of saturation have been completely eliminated and it has been shown in this study how to use pressure transient data to develop effective permeability as a function of pressure from the surface measured gas, oil, and water rates and then use it to forecast the well performance

Dynamic Compression Plate: A useful procedure for sub-trochanteric femur fracture with osteopetrosis.

Introduction: Osteopetrosis is an un common disease. It is of infantile and adult type. With adult type osteopetrosis, bones are vulnerable to fracture even with minimal injury. As there is increased bone density and small medullary canal, therefore, these fractures are challenging for orthopedic surgeons.Objective: To evaluate the results of Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) for the fixation of sub-trochanteric fractures of femur with osteopetrosis in term of union malunion, non-union and post-operative infection.Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in the department of Orthopedic surgery at Muhammad Medical College Mirpur Khas from March 2015 to February 2017. Patients, with sub-trochanteric fractures of femur having osteopetrosis, between the age of 20-60 years of either gender were included in this study. All fractures were fixed with DCP. Post-operatively patients were mobilized with crutches in 1st week, followed by partial weight bearing in 3rd week and full weight bearing in 6 weeks.Results: Union of fractures occur in 98 %patients. Mal union in one patient and nonunion in one patient. Post-operative infection was observed in one patient.Conclusion: This study shows management of sub trochanteric fractures of femur in patients with osteopetrosis are best treated with DCP with little or no complications.Key words: Osteopetrosis, sub trochanteric fractures, DCP

Prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in women, associated factors and impact on quality of life in rural Pakistan: Population-based study

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a gynecological condition resulting from pelvic floor dysfunction in women. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse associated factors, duration and impact on women\u27s quality of life in rural Pakistan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a three stage random sampling strategy. Three health centers were selected and selected Lady Health Workers from each health center interviewed a random sample of women in their households. The interview used a structured questionnaire to collect symptom data. Female gynaecologists then conducted a clinical examination at the local health center on women who reported symptoms of prolapse to verify and grade pelvic organ prolapse using Baden-Walker classification system.Results: Among the 5064 women interviewed (95.8% response rate), 521 women had clinically confirmed POP, a prevalence of 10.3% (95% CI 9-11%). Among women with POP 37.8% had grade III or IV prolapse. Women with four or more children had the highest proportion of pelvic organ prolapse (75%) followed by women aged 36-40 years (25%).Among women with POP, 60.8% reported their quality of life as greatly or moderately affected; 44.3% had it for more than 5 years; and 78.7% never consulted a doctor.Conclusions: Pelvic organ prolapse is highly prevalent in rural Pakistan, impacts on women\u27s everyday lives and remains mainly untreated. Measures should be taken to provide health care services to reduce this burden of disease among women

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of barbers about hepatitis B and C transmission in Hyderabad, Pakistan.

Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV/HCV) infections are serious global health problems. Shaving by barbers has been identified as the key risk factor for spread of HBV. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of barbers in Hyderabad city, Pakistan in 2007 to establish their knowledge and attitudes to the risk of HBV and HCV transmission and their working patterns. Observations showed that 96.2% washed razors with antiseptic after each client and 95.7% used a new blade with new clients. However, knowledge about the diseases and modes of transmission were poor and only 36.6% knew that hepatitis can be transmitted via shaving instruments. Only 3.2% of 186 barbers were vaccinated against HBV. Strategies are needed for raising awareness and regulations of barbers\u27 practices