The HSS/SNiC : a conceptual framework for collapsing security down to the physical layer

This work details the concept of a novel network security model called the Super NIC (SNIC) and a Hybrid Super Switch (HSS). The design will ultimately incorporate deep packet inspection (DPI), intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) functions, as well as network access control technologies therefore making all end-point network devices inherently secure. The SNIC and HSS functions are modelled using a transparent GNU/Linux Bridge with the Netfilter framework

Annealing studies and electrical properties of SnS-based solar cells

Thin films of SnS (tin sulphide) were thermally evaporated onto glass and CdS/ITO (cadmium sulphide/indium tin oxide) coated glass substrates and then annealed in vacuum with the aim of optimising them for use in photovoltaic solar cell device structures. The chemical and physical properties of the layers were determined using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, x-ray diffraction, and transmittance versus wavelength measurements. “Superstrate configuration” devices were also made using indium tin oxide as the transparent conductive oxide, thermally evaporated cadmium sulphide as the buffer layer and evaporated copper/indium as the back contact material. Capacitance-voltage data are given for the fabricated devices. Capacitance- voltage, spectral response and I-V data are given for the fabricated devices

Comparison of Nutrition and Dental Practices of International Students at the University of Northern Iowa before and after Coming to the United States

This study examined possible changes in nutrition and dental practices of international students after migration to the United States (US). A random sample of 81 international students at the University of Northern Iowa responded to a mail-in survey in the Fall Semester of 1999 (65% female, 85% over 21 years old, and 54% graduate students). Chi-square analyses showed that, while in the United States, the sample of international students consumed more high fat food (p = .002), more high sugar food (p \u3c .001), more fast food (p \u3c .001), less fruits and vegetables (p = .022), and fewer breakfasts (p= .23) than they did before coming. They also brushed their teeth more (p .031) and sought less dental care (p \u3c .001). No significant changes were observed in the consumptions of cereals, protein products, milk, and high caffeine beverages. It was concluded that some nutrition and dental practices of international students studying in the US change for the worse. Implications for culturally appropriate diet education programming for international college students were discussed

Free-carrier effects in polycrystalline silicon-on-insulator photonic devices

Photonic systems integrated into microelectronic systems using the well established integrated chips fabrication technologies offer immense opportunity in overcoming the bandwidth and power limitations IC faces. The use of deposited polycrystalline silicon in the fabrication of photonic devices has the potential of offering monolithic integration, promising electrical and optical properties, under optimized micro-fabrication, and lower costs. In this thesis, the design, fabrication and optical testing of waveguide devices on polycrystalline silicon platform is presented. Single mode polysilicon waveguide devices were fabricated at the RIT SMFL. The polysilicon waveguides fabricated successfully coupled and guided light. The transmission was measured over several lengths and the cut back method was used to quantify the free carrier absorption and propagation losses of polysilicon at 1550 nm wavelength. Comparisons were made with data for crystalline silicon. The absorption coefficient for polysilicon was found to be 25.9% higher than that of crystalline silicon

A study of the contemporary profile, clinical outcomes and economic burden of acute heart failure in Abeokuta, Nigeria

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in fulfillment for the requirements for the for the degree of Doctor of PhilosophyBackground Heart failure has become a global public health issue because of the rising global burden, high cost of care, frequent rehospitalisation and poor prognosis. Compared to other regions of the world, there are limited data on contemporary clinical profile, outcome, and economic cost of heart failure in Sub-Saharan Africa in general and Nigeria (Africa’s most populous country) in particular. We examined these in patients admitted with acute heart failure to a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods This was a hospital based, prospective, observational study conducted at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Detailed clinical documentation on cases of acute heart failure was carried out. The following data were obtained: demographic data, pre-admission history (previous heart failure related admissions). Others include NYHA functional class, symptoms, signs, self-reported cardiovascular risk factors, aetiology of heart failure, precipitating factors, co-morbidities, blood investigations, 12-lead ECG, echocardiography, medications and intra-hospital and 6-month outcomes. The study cohort was prospectively followed up for 6 months post initial hospitalisation. The subjects were contacted through clinic visits or telephone calls at one and six months. Information obtained during follow-up included their wellbeing, prescribed pharmacotherapy, history of re-hospitalization and deaths (from next of kin if they died at home). In addition to patient or relation’s telephone interviews, where necessary referring physicians were contacted for additional information. The following health outcomes were documented - 1) length of initial hospital stay (LoS) in days, 2) survival status on discharge (dead or alive), 3) short-term case-fatality (30 days), 4) medium-term case-fatality (180 days), and 5) re-hospitalization status (180 days) Heath economic data were extracted from the registry. Outpatient and inpatient costs were computed from the cohort of HF cases admitted in 2010 including personnel, diagnostic and treatment resources used for their management over a 12-month period. Indirect costs were also calculated. The annual cost per person was then calculated. Results The mean age of the subjects was 56.6±15.3 years (57.3±13.4 for men, 55.7±17.1 for women) and 204 (45.1%) were women. Overall, 415 (91.8%) subjects presented with de novo acute heart failure. The most common risk factor for HF was hypertension (pre-existing in 64.3% of cases). Type 2 diabetes mellitus was present in 41(10.0%). Hypertensive HF was the commonest aetiological cause of heart failure being responsible for 78.5% of cases. Dilated cardiomyopathy (7.5%), cor-pulmonale (4.4%), pericardial disease (3.3%), rheumatic heart disease (2.4%) and ischemic heart disease were less common (0.4%) causes. The majority (71.2%) of subjects presented with left ventricular dysfunction (mean left ventricular ejection fraction 43.9 ± 9.0%) and valvular dysfunction and abnormal left ventricular geometry were frequently documented. Mean duration of hospital stay was 11.4± 9.1 days and intra-hospital mortality was 3.8%. Case fatality at 30-days was 4.2% (95%CI, 2.4-7.3%) for the cohort of newly presenting acute HF subjects that were followed up [3.9% (95%CI, 1.7-8.5%) in men and 4.5% (95%CI 2.1-9.3%) in women]. At 180-days, case-fatality was 7.3% (95%CI, 4.7-11.2%) [7.1% (95%CI, 3.8-12.7%) in men and 7.5% (95%CI 3.9-14.0%) for women] Patients with pericardial diseases had the highest early mortality. Mortality was related to some socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Thirty two denovo HF subjects (12.2%) were rehospitalised at least once. There were 21 men (65.6%) and 11(34.4%) women. Worsening heart failure was the commonest reason for readmission. Among others, factors associated with rehospitalization include presence of mitral regurgitation (OR, 2.37; 95%CI, 1.26-4.46), age greater than 60 years (OR, 2.04; 95%CI, 0.96-3.29), presence of tricuspid regurgitation (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 0.86-3.61), and presence of atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.34; 95%CI, 0.59-3.03). The total computed cost of care of HF in Abeokuta was 76, 288,845 Naira (US$508, 595) translating to 319,200 Naira (US$2,128 US Dollars) per patient per year. Inpatient and outpatient care contributed 46% and 54% of total cost respectively. The high cost of outpatient care was largely due to cost of transportation for monthly follow up visits. Payments were mostly made through out-of-pocket spending. Conclusions Compared to high income countries, individuals presenting with AHF in Abeokuta, Nigeria are relatively younger and still of a working age. It is also commoner in men and associated with severe symptoms because of late presentation. Intra-hospital mortality is similar to other parts of the world. Rehospitalization after admission for HF is relatively common within 6-months. The economic burden of heart failure in the study setting is high considering the minimum wage of 18,000 Naira (120 US dollars) per month in the country. This calls for financing reforms for the control of the disease, which may include a reduction or waiver of user fees in government hospitals, scaling up of financial risk protection pre-payment mechanisms such as health insurance and use of primary healthcare centres for follow-up visits for mild cases. The development and adequate funding of community HF care programmes in the country is also a possible panacea.MT201

One Year after 9/11: The Impact of Global Terrorism on Public Health Education

As we mark one year after the September 11 (9/11) attack of the World Trade Center in New York, and the killing or traumatizing of thousands of innocent persons, global terrorism remains an issue of concern for political leaders, the business world and educators. The implications of terrorism to public health education are many and varied. At the minimum, 9/11 increased the immediate need for additional public health education to help people cope and deal with both the immediate and long-term effects of terrorist acts all over the world. Public health education plays a leading role in managing the fear and insecurity created by global terrorism. Through health education people are informed about emergency crisis management procedures. Knowing what to do in the face of a terrorist attack may reduce the negative health impact of global terrorism. For instance, people should be educated on biological agents and chemicals that have the potential for being used as terrorist weapons, and what to do when they are used. Such information is also crucial in imbuing those who handle these agents with the responsibility of preventing the agents from ending up in the hands of potential terrorists

JOURNALISTS’ PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA IMAGE USE DURING THE 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGNS IN NIGERIA

This study examined journalists’ perception and attitude to social media image use by Scannews and NewsRescue Online media outfits during the 2015 presidential election campaigns in Nigeria. The study objectives centered on the volume of digital image usage, forms, context, intended purpose as well as the implications of displayed images for professional photojournalism. The study is anchored on Consequentialism ethical theory, Kant Deontological ethical theory and Virtue ethical theory. Three research designs namely; Content analysis, Experimental design and Survey method were adopted as procedures that elicited information for the study. Thus, Coding Sheet and Questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection. A sample of 57 photographs and 395 journalists were used. The study found a competitive usage of digital images by NewsRescue (29 images - 51%) and Scannews (28 images, 49%). The study further found the forms of digital image techniques used by Scannews and NewsRescue to include; toning, flatting, changing costumes, cloning and retouching. In addition, images displayed were found to be triggered by corruption, security consciousness of the aspirants and on health ground. Other motivations were driven by experience and competence of the candidates. Findings also show that the contexts of digital image usage by Scannews and NewsResue impede professional virtues of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance (r = 842 > P = .000). On the denotation of displayed images, the study found that, images were symbolic of a guy (8.8%), fighter (12.3%), hooligan (17.5%) and of animal (24.6%). The study further found that images were used to infer that the candidate is a saint, competent, dependable, experienced, capable and dangerous. Findings also show that the intended purposes of digital image usage by Scannews and NewsResue impede professional virtues of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance. There was significant difference between the intended purpose of digital image displayed and professional journalism practice (t = -3.388 > P = .001; P < .01). This study also found several problems for the utilization of digital images by Scannews and NewsRescue. The study finally established several techniques that conform to journalism professional standards. The research reached a conclusion that, journalism is a profession and every profession has its norms for responsible practice which must be upheld at all times. The study thus, recommends among others that; journalism as a profession is anchored on five key principles of objectivity, accuracy, truthfulness, fairness and balance which must be upheld in all published news photograph; and that news photographers should employ journalism canons as yardstick for ethical decisions regarding the use of photographs