Game Theoretic Efficient Radio Resource Allocation in 5G Resilient Networks:A Data Driven Approach

In recent years, 5G resilient networks have gained significant attention in the wireless industry. The prime concern of commercial networks is to maximize network capacity to increase their revenue. However, in disaster situations during outages when cell sites are down, instead of capacity, coverage becomes predominant. In this paper, we propose a game theory–based optimal resource allocation scheme, while aiming to maximize the sum rate and coverage probability for the uplink transmissions in disaster situations. The proposed hierarchical game theoretical framework optimizes the uplink performance in multitier heterogeneous network with pico base stations and femto access points overlaid under a macro base station. The test simulations are based on a real‐time data set obtained for a predefined amount of time. The data statistics are then manipulated to create practical disaster situations. The solution for the noncooperative game has been obtained by using pure strategy Nash equilibrium. We perform simulations with different failure rates and the results show that the proposed scheme improves the sum rate and outage probability by significant margin with or without disaster scenario

Toxicity of Four New Chemistry Insecticides against Spodoptera litura (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) under Controlled Laboratory Conditions

Leaf worm, Spodoptera litura is one of the most destructive insect pests of several agricultural and horticultural crops all over the world including Pakistan. Insecticides have been widely used against different instar larvae of S. litura to minimize the pest population on various crops. New chemistry insecticides were tested to check their toxicity against S. litura on cabbage under laboratory conditions during 2019. Emamectin benzoate was highly toxic followed by chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide and fipronil. LC50 and LC 90 values of emamectin benzoate were 30.54, 19.73 ppm and 459.07 and 275.65ppm after 24 and 48 h, respectively. 100% mortality of larvae was recorded at all concentrations of emamectin benzoate after 72 h of treatment. The lethal concentration, 50 % (LC50) values of chlorantraniliprole after 24, 48 and 72 h were 47.03, 32.49 and 17.58 ppm, respectively. Chlorantraniliprole was found to be extra lethal insecticide than flubendiamide and fipronil. Both (LC50 and LC90) values of fipronil after 24, 48 and 72 h were 55.76, 46.26, 28.47, and 801.03, 647.27, 510.44 ppm respectively. The results concluded that emamectin benzoate has potential to be used in integrated pest management strategies to significantly reduce the pest population

Assessing retention and motivation of public health-care providers (particularly female providers) in rural Pakistan

The main objectives of this project in Pakistan were to explore the core issue of availability of health providers, especially female providers who are required for provision of maternal and neonatal healthcare, and to determine the range of factors that either constrain or motivate providers to serve in key positions in public facilities in rural areas. The study, conducted by the Population Council with funding from the Maternal and Newborn Health Programme ‐ Research and Advocacy Fund, identifies a number of problems faced by healthcare providers working in the public healthcare system in Pakistan and makes the following recommendations for consideration by policymakers: 1) ensure implementation of a “Human Resource for Health Management” system; 2) enforce strict adherence to organizational policies on recruitment, transfer, and promotion; 3) improve the physical work environment and ensure the availability of equipment, medicine, and supplies; and 4) put in place a national private practice regulation policy

INTELLIGENT HOME: EMPOWERING SMART HOME WITH MACHINE LEARNING FOR USER ACTION PREDICTION

Smart homes is an emerging technology that is transforming the way people live and interact with their homes. These homes are equipped with various devices and technologies that allow the homeowner to control, monitor, and automate various aspects of their home. This can include lighting, heating and cooling, security systems, and appliances. However, to enhance the efficiency of these homes, machine learning algorithms can be utilized to analyze the data generated from the home environment and adapt to user behaviors. This paper proposes a smart home system empowered by machine learning algorithms for enhanced user behavior prediction and automation. The proposed system is composed of three modes, including manual, automatic, and intelligent, with the objectives of maximizing security, minimizing human effort, reducing power consumption, and facilitating user interaction. The manual mode offers control and monitoring capabilities through a web-based user interface, accessible from anywhere and at any time. The automatic mode provides security alerts and appliances control to minimize human intervention. Additionally, the intelligent mode employs machine learning classification algorithms, such as decision tree, K-nearest neighbors, and multi-layer perceptron, to track and predict user actions, thereby reducing user intervention and providing additional comfort to homeowners. Experiments conducted employing the three classifiers resulted in accuracies of 97.4%, 97.22%, and 97.36%, respectively. The proposed smart home system can potentially enhance the quality of life for homeowners while reducing energy consumption and increasing security

PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS: AN OVERVIEW AND A CASE REPORT FROM PAKISTAN

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute or subacute viral disease of goats and sheep characterized by fever, necrotic stomatitis, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, and sometimes death. The virus also affects several wild small ruminant species. Cattle, buffalo, and pigs are only sub clinically infected. People are not at risk. The disease is of heavy economic significance in small ruminant industry and ranks among the top ten diseases affecting small ruminants. Isolation and quarantine measures, slaughtering of positive animals, proper disposal of infected materials, proper disinfection of utensils and other items of flock are crucial for control of PPR. PPR leads to heavy economic setbacks to the farmers. With the aims and objectives to flourish small ruminant farming and maximizing profit, a few key points should be rigorously adopted

The Level of Implementing Governance at Public Jordanian Universities from the Faculty Members’ Perspective

هدفت الدراسة إلى التعرف على مستوى تطبيق الحاكميَة في الجامعات الأردنية الرسمية من وجهة نظر أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية. وتكوّن مجتمع الدراسة من العاملين في هذه الجامعات من أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية وعددهم (6926) عضوا.أما عينة الدراسة فقد تم اختيارها بالطريقة العشوائية من مجتمع الدراسة وهي الجامعة الأردنية،ال جامعة اليرموك، وجامعة مؤتة، وعددهم (243) عضوا من أعضاء هيئة التدريس. واستخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، والاعتماد على (الاستبانة)، حيث تكونت فقرات الاستبانة من خمسين فقرة موزعة على خمسة مجالات هي: مفهوم الحاكمية، مجالس الحاكمية، المشاركة، الشفافية والمساءلة. وأظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن مستوى تطبيق الحاكمية من وجهة نظر أعضاء الهيئة التدريسية (كبيرة)، كما أظهرت وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند مستوى الدلالة (α≤0.05) تبعاً لاختلاف متغير الكلية، وذلك لصالح الإنسانية، بينما لا توجد فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية عند نفس مستوى الدلالة  تبعاً لاختلاف متغير الجنس والرتبة العلمية. ومن توصيات الدراسة: العمل على تطبيق ونشر ثقافة الحاكميَة في الجامعات الأردنية الرسمية، والعمل على إحداث إصلاحات في قوانين وأنظمة الجامعات الأردنية الرسمية بما يتلاءم وظروف البيئة المحيطة. الكلمات المفتاحية: الحاكمية، الجامعات الأردنية الرسمية، التعليم العالي.The purpose of the study was to identify the level of implementing governance in public Jordanian universities from the point of view of the faculty members. The population of the study covered all the faculty members (6926). 243 members were randomly selected from three universities: Jordan, Yarmouk and Mu'tah. The researcher used the descriptive analytical method. The research tool was a questionnaire, which consisted of 50 items, covering 5 dimensions: concept of governance; governance councils; participation; transparency; and accountability. The results of the study showed that the respondents’ assessment degree of the level of implementing governance was high. There were also statistically significant differences at the level of (α≥0.05) attributed to the variable of college in favor of humanities. On the other hand, no statistically significant differences were found at the same level of significance attributed to the variables of gender and academic rank. The study recommended that governance should be implemented and spread in public  Jordanian universities. There should also be reforms of the laws and regulations of public Jordanian universities, taking into consideration the conditions of the surrounding environment. Keywords: Governance, Public Jordanian universities, Higher Education

Leptospirosis: An Emerging Zoonosis in Pakistan

Abstract.-Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira species. Many domestic and wild animals act as reservoirs and ultimate source of contamination to human population. Since it is an emerging infectious disease that is under reported in developing countries, this report would provide baseline study for clinicians and researchers. To study the serosurveillance of human leptospirosis, 100 human (78 males; 22 females) blood samples were collected from Lahore city and its peri-urban areas and processed by cELISA Serion ELISA classic microtiter plate. The results of this study revealed 44% prevalence of human leptospirosis. Among 78 males and 22 females, 38 males (49%) and 06 females (27%) were found positive. Age wise serosurveillance demonstrate 47% prevalence in adults and 35% in young ones. Season wise 42%, 40%, 26% and 47% were observed in Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring, respectively. It is concluded that highest prevalence was in male adults while spring and summer were more susceptible seasons having leptospirosis infection. This is the first report of serosurveillance of leptospirosis in humans in Pakistan

Mapping stakeholders of the Palestinian Health Research System: a qualitative study

There is a growing international and regional interest in Health Research Systems (HRSs) in light of a global strategy for HRS stakeholders' (HRSSHs) active involvement. HRSSHs in Palestine have rarely been investigated with regard to uncertainties.; This study aimed to analyse perceptions of HRSSHs in order to understand their roles and involvement, identify gaps, and offer policy solutions for stakeholders' engagement in the Palestinian HRS.; This qualitative study targeted three local Palestinian health sectors, government, academia, and local and international agencies. Data were collected through 52 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) and then analysed using MAXQDA 12 software. Participants and institutions were selected purposively based on a set of criteria and peer review.; The overall HRS stakeholders' roles were unsatisfactory, with low involvement from society, the private sector, local and international sectors. The role of academia and the Ministry of Health is vital but observed moderate in health research while that of international agencies is weak due to conflicting agendas and lack of a guiding body. Most universities have poor representation in public decision-making and scarcity in health research potential and capacity. Interest-power imbalance among stakeholders is reported where political, organizational, and technical shortfalls were indicative of weak roles and low involvement, along with a lack of health research culture, structure, resources, defined roles, and network.; Tackling the inadequate roles, interests' disparity, and poor involvement of HRSSHs is imperative for HRS strengthening. Redefining HRSSHs' roles and involving all stakeholders is key through strategic dialogue, consolidated leadership, and resource mobilization