Reduce Effect of Dependent Malicious Sensor Nodes in WSNs using Pairs Counting and Fake Packets

In this paper, we propose a new technique for the enhancement of target detection in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) in which sensor nodes are responsible for taking binary decisions about the presence or absence of a given target and reporting the output to the fusion center. We introduce the algorithm; Fail Silent Pair (FSP) to calculate global decision in the fusion center. The FSP algorithm randomly distributes all sensor nodes into pairs then considers pairs of the same local decision. Also, we present new detection and prevention methods to reduce the effect of dependent malicious sensor nodes. The detection method is based on the deception of suspicious sensor nodes with fake packets to detect a subset of the malicious sensor nodes, as these nodes eavesdrop on other sensor nodes packets to use their local decisions as a reference to build an intelligent decision. While the prevention method allows the fusion center to correct local decisions of some malicious sensor nodes with identified strategies, assisting in the increase of the accuracy of global decisions. We introduce a mathematical analysis to verify our methods, in addition to simulation experiments to validate our technique

Extensor indicis proprius to extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer with first dorsal interossei muscle flap cover for reconstruction of post traumatic thumb defect in an acute setting: a very rare case report

The thumb plays a vital role in the function of the hand and is indispensable part of gripping, pinching and other activities and therefore its reconstruction is a priority for every hand surgeon. Different flaps have been used in the soft tissue reconstruction of the thumb. Here we presented a 38 year male patient case of road traffic accident with trauma to the right upper limb having composite tissue defect involving the thumb with loss over the dorsum of the thumb with periosteal stripping and partial loss of the dorsal cortex of the metacarpal in which we have successfully performed thumb reconstruction in acute setting by doing extensor indicis proprius (EIP) to extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon transfer for the extensor tendon loss and soft tissue cover by using the ulnar head of first dorsal interossei muscle with overlying split thickness skin graft. EIP to EPL transfer is an efficient tendon transfer to restore the thumb extension in post-traumatic extensor loss of thumb without any functional donor site morbidity. First dorsal interossei muscle is a good and reliable reconstructive option for the small full thickness soft tissue defects over the first metacarpal first because of its axial blood supply. We recommend to divide the extensor indicis proprius tendon around half centimetre proximal to the extensor hood and suture this tendon remnant to the side by extensor digiti communis tendon  while maintaining the finger extension and for the first dorsal interossei muscle flap preferably use the ulnar head of muscle for thumb reconstruction to avoid functional donor site morbidities

Improving information security in e-banking by using biometric fingerprint : a case of major bank in Malaysia

In this paper biometric fingerprint technology will define and discuss as new best approach identification and authentication customers for online internet banking, and how biometric fingerprint will improve the internet banking protect its assets. Background will be produced to present how authentication and identification have developed and improved through the applications successful that have implemented biometric technology to protect its asset; then a case of major bank in Malaysia will be taken as a case study. By answering the question, why does biometric fingerprint need to come forefront as a great method of authentication in online banking environment? The findings have found that there are reasons and factors for higher security as a near perfect and biometric fingerprint authentication will be indicated to be the solution to answer this call

Impact of Entrepreneurship Strategies on Achieving Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Yemeni Companies for Food Industries

هدفت الدراسة إلى تحديد أثر استراتيجيات الريادة في تحقيق الميزة التنافسية المستدامة، إضافة إلى معرفة مدى وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في مستوى تحقق الميزة التنافسية المستدامة، ومستوى تطبيق استراتيجيات الريادة تعزى لمتغيري عمر الشركة ونوع المنتج، وقد استخدمت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وتمثل مجتمع الدراسة في الشركات اليمنية للصناعات الغذائية الكبيرة جداً البالغ عددها (16) شركة بواقع (5416) مفردة، وقد تم اختيار عينة عشوائية طبقية غير تناسبية بواقع (377) مفردة، وتم جمع البيانات باستخدام الاستبانة، وقد توصلت الدراسة إلى أن الشركات تولي اهتماماً كبيرا بتحقق الميزة التنافسية المستدامة بكافة أبعادها، كما تبدي الشركات اهتماماً كبيراً بتطبيق استراتيجيات الريادة ببعديها، إضافة إلى وجود اختلاف في أثر استراتيجيات الريادة في تحقق الميزة التنافسية المستدامة في الشركات باختلاف البُعد، فقد كان أكثرها تأثيراً بُعد استراتيجية المبادأة، يليه بُعد استراتيجية المخاطرة، فضلاً عن وجود اختلاف في مستوى تحقق الميزة التنافسية المستدامة في الشركات بحسب عمر الشركة، ونوع المنتج، وكذلك اختلاف مستوى تطبيق استراتيجيات الريادة بحسب عمر الشركة، بينما لا يختلف مستوى تطبيقها بحسب نوع المنتج، وقدمت الدراسة العديد من التوصيات أهمها: ضرورة تعزيز مستوى تحقق الميزة التنافسية المستدامة بجميع أبعادها، لاسيما بُعد الكفاءة؛ كونه الأقل تحققاً، وكذلك زيادة تطبيق استراتيجيات الريادة؛ لما لذلك من أثر إيجابي في تحقق الميزة التنافسية المستدامة. الكلمات المفتاحية: الميزة التنافسية المستدامة، استراتيجيات الريادة، الشركات اليمنية للصناعات الغذائية.This paper aimed to identify the impact of entrepreneurship strategies on achieving sustainable competitive advantage and any statistically significant differences in the level of achieving this advantage and in using entrepreneurship strategies which can be attributed to the company age and product type. To achieve these objectives, the descriptive analytical method was used. The study population was (16) very large companies for food industries consisting of (5416) participants. A sample of 359 participants was selected using the random stratified non-proportional method, and a questionnaire was used to collect the data. Results revealed that the companies pay attention to achieving the sustainable competitive advantage covering all its dimensions as well as to entrepreneurship strategies. There was also a significant difference in the impact of entrepreneurship strategies on sustainable competitive advantage based on the strategies. The most influential one was the dimension of proactiveness strategy, followed by the risk strategy dimension. There were also differences between the level of achieving sustainable competitive advantage according to the company age and product type and the level of applying entrepreneurship strategies according to company age. However, there was no difference in applying these strategies based on the product type. The study proposed a number of recommendations, including the need to enhance the level of achieving sustainable competitive advantage in all its dimensions, especially the efficiency dimension as it was the least achieved. It was also recommended to increase the use of entrepreneurship strategies for their positive impact on achieving the sustainable competitive advantage. Keywords: sustainable competitive advantage, entrepreneurship strategies, Yemeni food industries companies

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) implementation in zro particles reinforced aluminium chips by Hot Equal Channel Pressing (ECAP)

In recent years, the interest on solid-state recycling of aluminum chips increases over the years due to the less energy consumption of the process. This research studies the quantitative effects of preheating temperature and volume fraction of Zirconium Dioxide when it is reinforced to the Aluminum alloy AA6061 on its mechanical properties. The parameters of the experiment are preheating temperature and volume fraction of ZrO . Temperature are varied between 450 and 550 ℃ according to the boundary parameters. The volume fraction of ZrO consists of 5, 10 and 15% of the reinforcement. Increasing the volume fraction of ZrO correlates with the increase of mechanical and physical properties. Design of Experimental with factorial design was implemented to analyse the magnitude of response on the mechanical properties from the variable of parameters. The preheating temperature was revealed to be the most significant factor affecting the yield strength and the microhardness of the composite followed by the volume fraction of ZrO . It is revealed that the most optimum temperature is 550 ℃ and the optimum percentage of volume fraction is 9.28%. Both highest microhardness and yield strength were obtained from these optimum temperatures. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) revealed on how elongation in Zirconia chips is affected by the amount of ZrO reinforcement. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis performed revealed on the arbitrary weight out of total weight for every element in the composite such as Al, Zr, O and Si

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in Palestine (Northern West Bank): A comparative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A comparative food ethnobotanical study was carried out in fifteen local communities distributed in five districts in the Palestinian Authority, PA (northern West Bank), six of which were located in Nablus, two in Jenin, two in Salfit, three in Qalqilia, and two in Tulkarm. These are among the areas in the PA whose rural inhabitants primarily subsisted on agriculture and therefore still preserve the traditional knowledge on wild edible plants.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data on the use of wild edible plants were collected for one-year period, through informed consent semi-structured interviews with 190 local informants. A semi-quantitative approach was used to document use diversity, and relative importance of each species.</p> <p>Results and discussion</p> <p>The study recorded 100 wild edible plant species, seventy six of which were mentioned by three informants and above and were distributed across 70 genera and 26 families. The most significant species include <it>Majorana syriaca, Foeniculum vulgare, Malvasylvestris</it>, <it>Salvia fruticosa, Cyclamen persicum, Micromeria fruticosa, Arum palaestinum, Trigonella foenum-graecum</it>, <it>Gundelia tournefortii</it>, and <it>Matricaria aurea</it>. All the ten species with the highest mean cultural importance values (mCI), were cited in all five areas. Moreover, most were important in every region. A common cultural background may explain these similarities. One taxon (<it>Majoranasyriaca</it>) in particular was found to be among the most quoted species in almost all areas surveyed. CI values, as a measure of traditional botanical knowledge, for edible species in relatively remote and isolated areas (Qalqilia, and Salfit) were generally higher than for the same species in other areas. This can be attributed to the fact that local knowledge of wild edible plants and plant gathering are more spread in remote or isolated areas.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Gathering, processing and consuming wild edible plants are still practiced in all the studied Palestinian areas. About 26 % (26/100) of the recorded wild botanicals including the most quoted and with highest mCI values, are currently gathered and utilized in all the areas, demonstrating that there are ethnobotanical contact points among the various Palestinian regions. The habit of using wild edible plants is still alive in the PA, but is disappearing. Therefore, the recording, preserving, and infusing of this knowledge to future generations is pressing and fundamental.</p

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication