IT Application Readiness using Balanced Score Card Measurement

Information Technology is one of the most important things used in our daily lives where most organizations are dependent on the system to facilitate the tasks of work, Balanced Scorecard is one of the most successful means to measure the performance of the organization and achieve the strategic goals, Readiness in IT should be aligned to prevent gaps that are created as a result of ineffective configuration between the IT deployed and the business requirements. To bridge this gap, organizations implement IT as well as business strategies at the same time (top- down planning) ignoring other factors necessary for IT readiness

A Critical Investigation into the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Architecture Supporting Virtual Universities

Abstract A critical investigation into the information communication technology (ICT) architecture supporting virtual universities confirmed that service oriented architecture (SOA) is the ICT architecture supporting virtual universities. The study was motivated by the desire to have an in-depth understanding of the ICT architecture supporting virtual universities after considering an upwards trend in a large number of organizations interacting in real time over real, large geographic distances creating a virtual world. Using published work, the study established that different technologies and protocols, such as Service Oriented Architecture SOA, Remote Procedure Call RPC, Transport Protocol TP, Simple Object Access Protocol SOAP, Simple Mail Transfer Protocol SMTP and Extensible Markup Language XML , are being used and can be used to support a third generation virtual university. The study established strengths and weaknesses of SOA and virtual universities who offer all services in an integrated way such as e-learning, specialized virtual centres for developmental educational courses, libraries and administrative functions, interactive environments for asynchronous and synchronous communications and collaboration

Efficacy of using a dual layer of membrane (d PTFE placed over collagen) for ridge preservation in fresh extraction sites: a micro‐computed tomographic study in dogs

Objective To assess if overbuilding the buccal plate or using a dual‐layer socket grafting technique prevents alveolar bone resorption and enhances final ridge width, height, and volume after tooth loss in an animal model. Material and methods In eight beagle dogs bilateral second (P2)‐, third (P3)‐, and fourth (P4) premolars were endodontically treated. All bilateral mandibular first premolars and distal roots of P2, P3, and P4 were hemisectioned and atraumatically extracted. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: (i) Control–Socket alone, (ii) Particulate allograft in the alveolum, socket covered with high‐density polytetrafluoroethylene ( dPTFE ) membrane and sutured over the alveolum, (iii) Particulate allograft in the alveolum and overbuilding the buccal plate, socket covered with dPTFE membrane and sutured over the alveolum, (iv) Particulate allograft in the alveolum and covered with dual layer ( dPTFE placed over collagen membrane), and sutured over the alveolum. After 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed. Mandibular blocks of the jaws were assessed for bone volume ( BV ), vertical bone height ( VBH ), alveolar ridge thickness, and bone mineral density ( BMD ) using micro‐computed tomography. Results The BV in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 169.5, 207.57, 242.4, and 306.1 mm 3 , respectively. The VBH in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 4.2, 6.4, 6.2, and 7.3 mm, respectively. Ridge widths in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 5.45 ± 0.75, 5.91 ± 0.86, 6.05 ± 0.63, and 6.28 ± 1.01 mm, respectively. There was no significant difference in BMD between the groups. Conclusions The RP using a dual layer of membrane following tooth extraction results in more BV , VBH , and alveolar ridge width as compared to when a single layer of membrane is used.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/100133/1/clr2526.pd

Anesthetic management of a patient with Bartter′s syndrome undergoing bilateral sagittal split osteotomy

Bartter′s syndrome is an unusual (estimated incidence is 1.2 per million people) but important congenital form of secondary hyperaldosteronism; due to abnormalities in renal handling of electrolytes. It is associated with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular cells, normal blood pressure, and hypokalemic alkalosis withoutedema.We present a 22-year-old woman with Bartter′s syndrome underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy to correct mandibular prognathic. The anesthetic management of Bartter′s syndrome should be relevant to the pathophysiology of the syndrome. Therefore, it should be directed toward maintaining cardiovascular stability, control of associated fluid, electrolyte and acid-base derangements, and the prevention of renal damage

Biomimetic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Ethyl Acetate Extract of Urtica diocia Leaves; Characterizations and Emerging Antimicrobial Activity

The current work reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the antimicrobial activities of ethyl acetate extract of Urtica diocia (UD) leaves as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized UD-AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The UD-AgNPs were evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and their size, shape, and distribution were recorded. The average size of an NP was 19.401 nm. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) for 75 µL of UD-AgNPs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was 21 ± 0.4 mm more than that of the control drug Ciprofloxacin (16 ± 10 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was the lowest against Escherichia coli (E. coli) (36 ± 3 µg/mL) and Staphylococcusepidermidis (S. epidermidis) (38 ± 3 µg/mL). Moreover, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was the lowest against E.coli (75 ± 00 µg/mL) and Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis (83 ± 16 µg/mL). Thus, the UD-AgNPs synthesized using the ethyl acetate extract of UD can be used as a new antimicrobial drug

Clinical evaluation of implant survival based on size and site of placement: A retrospective study of immediate implants at single rooted teeth sites

Objectives: This retrospective clinical study sought to evaluate the survival of immediate implants placed at maxillary and mandibular single-rooted tooth extraction sites and to determine the relationship among implant size, placement site, and implant survival. Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2011, 85 patients (33 males, 52 females; mean age: 45 years) underwent immediate implant placement after extraction of single-rooted teeth. All implants were restored between 12 and 14 weeks after implant placement. The implant survival and its relationship with implant size and implantation site were evaluated by odds ratios (ORs). Results: Implants were placed at the following sites: upper central incisor (UCI, n = 35), upper lateral incisor (ULI, n = 27), upper second premolar (U2ndP, n = 36), lower incisor (LI, n = 53), and lower premolar (LP, n = 22). Implants of the following sizes were used: 5 × 10 mm (n = 24), 5 × 8 mm (n = 21), 4.3 × 10 mm (n = 77), 4.3 × 8 mm (n = 36), 3.5 × 10 mm (n = 12), and 3.5 × 8 mm (n = 3). After a mean follow-up time of 47 months, the overall implant survival rate was 96%. Survival rate was highest at the LI site (98.1%) and lowest at the ULI site (92.6%). All of the 5-mm implants survived (100%), as did most of the 4.3 × 10 mm implants (96.1%). Implants of 4.3 × 8 mm and 3.5 × 10 mm were the least successful (91.7%). Mandibular implants had a better survival rate (97.3%) than maxillary implants (94.9%). There was no significant OR of increased survival for any particular implant size or site. Conclusions: Immediate implant placement in fresh extraction sockets can give predictable clinical outcomes, regardless of the implant size and site of placement. Keywords: Immediate implants, Dental implants, Implant survival, Osseointegration, Implant site, Implant siz

The Efficacy of Recombinant Platelet-Derived Growth Factor on Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate to Regenerate Femoral Critical Sized Segmental Defects: Longitudinal In Vivo Micro-CT Study in a Rat Model

Background and Objectives: Beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) has been used for bone regeneration. The objective of this study was to assess longitudinally, the regeneration of critical sized segmental defects (CSSD) in rat femur using beta-TCP with or without recombinant platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) through in vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods: Following ethical approval unilateral femoral CSSD measuring 5 mm was surgically created, under general anesthesia, in 30 male Wistar-Albino rats (aged 12–18 months; weighing 450–500 g). CSSD was stabilized using titanium mini-plate (4 holes, 1.0 mm thick with 8 mm bar). Depending upon biomaterial used for regeneration, the animals were randomly divided into: Control group (N = 10): CSSD covered with resorbable collagen membrane (RCM) only; Beta-TCP group (N = 10): CSSD filled with beta-TCP and covered by RCM; Beta-TCP + PDGF group (N = 10): CSSD filled with beta-TCP soaked in recombinant PDGF and covered by RCM. Longitudinal in vivo micro-CT analysis of the CSSD was done postoperatively at baseline, 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks to assess volume and mineral density of newly formed bone (NFB) and beta-TCP. Results: Significant increase in NFB volume (NFBV) and mineral density (NFBMD) were observed from baseline to 8-weeks in all groups. Based on longitudinal in vivo micro-CT at 8-weeks, beta-TCP + PDGF group had significantly higher (p < 0.01) NFBV (38.98 ± 7.36 mm3) and NFBMD (3.72 ± 0.32 g/mm3) than the beta-TCP (NFBV—31.15 ± 6.68 mm3; NFBMD—2.28 ± 0.86g/mm3) and control (NFBV: 5.60 ± 1.06 mm3; NFBMD: 0.27 ± 0.02 g/mm3) groups. Significantly, higher reduction in beta-TCP volume (TCPV) and mineral density (TCPMD) were 1 observed in the beta-TCP + PDGF group when compared to the beta-TCP group. Conclusion: Addition of recombinant PDGF to beta-TCP enhanced bone regeneration within rat femoral CSSD and increased resorption rates of beta-TCP particles

Guided Bone Regeneration of Femoral Segmental Defects using Equine Bone Graft: An In-Vivo Micro-Computed Tomographic Study in Rats

Background and objectives: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is commonly used for osseous defect reconstruction. The objective of this study was to evaluate in real-time (in-vivo) the efficacy of equine bone graft for GBR in segmental critical-size defects (CSD) of the femur in a rat model. Materials and methods: Following ethical approval, 30 male Wistar-Albino rats (age 12–14 months/weight 450–500 grams) were included. Under general-anesthesia, a mid-diaphyseal segmental CSD (5 mm) was created in the femur and stabilized using titanium Miniplate(4 holes,1.0 mm thickness). Depending upon material used for GBR, animals were randomly divided into three groups(n = 10/per group). Negative control-Defect covered with resorbable collagen membrane(RCM); Positive control-Defect filled with autologous bone and covered by RCM; Equine bone-Defect filled with equine bone and covered by RCM. Real-time in-vivo Micro-CT was performed at baseline, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks to determine volume and mineral density of newly formed bone (NFB) and remaining bone graft particles (BGP). Results: In-vivo micro-CT revealed increase in volume and mineral density of NFB within defects from baseline to 8-weeks in all groups. At 8-weeks NFB-volume in the equine bone group(53.24 ± 13.83 mm3; p < 0.01) was significantly higher than the negative control(5.6 ± 1.06 mm3) and positive control(26.07 ± 5.44 mm3) groups. Similarly, NFB-mineral density in the equine bone group(3.33 ± 0.48 g/mm3; p < 0.01) was higher than the other (negative control–0.27 ± 0.02 g/mm3; positive control–2.55 ± 0.6 g/mm3). A gradual decrease in the BGP-volume and BGP-mineral density was observed. Conclusion: The use of equine bone for GBR in femoral segmental defects in rats, results in predictable new bone formation as early as 2-weeks after bone graft placement

Microcomputed Tomographic Analysis of the Alveolar Ridge Alteration around Extraction Sites with and without Immediate Implants Placement: In Vivo Study

Background: The aim was to assess the alveolar ridge alteration around extraction sites with and without immediate implants according to extraction socket classification (ESC) using microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT). Material and Methods: Ten beagle dogs (mean age and weight: 24 ± 0.83 months and 13.8 ± 0.49 kg, respectively) were randomly divided into three groups according to the ESC. In Group 1 (ESC‐I), bilateral first and third premolars were extracted and replaced with immediate implants. In Group 2 (ESC‐II), two adjacent premolars were extracted with one immediate implant placement in the mesial socket in the maxilla and in the distal socket in the mandible. In Group 3 (ESC‐III), three adjacent teeth were extracted and an immediate implant was placed in the central socket. Primary closure was achieved using resorbable sutures. Buccal sites with dehiscence defects were excluded. After 4 months, subjects were sacrificed and alveolar ridge widths were measured at 1 mm interval in axial and sagittal views, using micro‐CT in sites with and without immediate implants. Results: In sites without immediate implant placement, alveolar ridge width was significantly higher in Group 1(6.1 ± 1.35 mm) than Group 3 (4.14 ± 1.53 mm) ( p  < .05). In sites with immediate implant placement, the alveolar ridge width was higher among sites in Group 1 (6.4 ± 3.8 mm) than Group 2 (4.8 ± 0.46 mm) ( p  < .05) and Group 3 (5.02 ± 0.84 mm) ( p  < .05). Overall, between each corresponding group in both sites with and without immediate implant placement at 1 mm thickness, there was no significant difference in the alveolar ridge widths. Conclusion: With the exception of Group 1 (ESC‐I), immediate implant placement did not prevent or minimize bone remodeling in extraction sites according to ESC.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106896/1/cid471.pd