2,185 research outputs found

    Computer aided photographic memory enhancement and speed reading (case study)

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    This work aimed to design and testing of a computer program – based eyeQ improvement, photographic memory enhancement, and speed reading to match the reading speed 150 – 250 word per minute (WPM) with the mind ability of processing and eye snap shooting 5000WPM . The package designed based on Visual Basic 6. The efficiency of the designed program was tested on a 10 persons with different levels of education and ages and the results show an increase in their reading speed of approximately 25% in the first month of training with noticeable enhancement in the memory as well as an increase in the ability to read for longer time without feeling nerves or boring, a nonlinear continuously increase in reading speed is assured after the first month with a hope of reaching a target of 3000WPM within 3 – 5 years of training and that is what is called photographic memory where most of the read data processed in right side of the mind, the smaller age, and higher level of education is an effective factor on the results

    Task scheduling for mobile edge computing using genetic algorithm and conflict graphs

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    In this paper, we consider parallel and sequential task offloading to multiple mobile edge computing servers. The task consists of a set of inter-dependent sub-tasks, which are scheduled to servers to minimize both offloading latency and failure probability. Two algorithms are proposed to solve the scheduling problem, which are based on genetic algorithm and conflict graph models, respectively. Simulation results show that these algorithms provide performance close to the optimal solution, which is obtained through exhaustive search. Furthermore, although parallel offloading uses orthogonal channels, results demonstrate that the sequential offloading yields a reduced offloading failure probability when compared to the parallel offloading. On the other hand, parallel offloading provides less latency. However, as the dependency among sub-tasks increases, the latency gap between parallel and sequential schemes decreases.This work was supported in part by the Memorial University Chair, in part by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through its Discovery program, in part by the Chair of Excellence at UC3M, and in part by the Spanish National Project TERESA-ADA (TEC2017-90093-C3- 2-R) (MINECO/AEI/FEDER, UE).Publicad

    The first molecular detection of Aedes albopictus in Sudan associates with increased outbreaks of Chikungunya and Dengue

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    As part of our surveys of the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi in four Sudanese states, including North and South Kordofan, Sennar, and White Nile, we collected 166 larvae. Our morphological identification confirmed that 30% of the collected mosquito samples were Anopheles species, namely An. gambiae s.l. and An. stephensi, while the 117 Aedes specimens were Ae. luteocephalus (39%), Ae. aegypti (32%), Ae. vexans (9%), Ae. vittatus (9%), Ae. africanus (6%), Ae. metalicus (3%), and Ae. albopictus (3%). Considering the serious threat of Ae. albopictus emergence for the public health in the area and our limited resources, we prioritized Ae. albopictus samples for further genomic analysis. We extracted the DNA from the three specimens and subsequently sequenced the cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene and confirmed their identity as Aedes albopictus and their potential origin by phylogenetic and haplotype analyses. Aedes albopictus, originating from Southeast Asia, is an invasive key vector of chikungunya and dengue. This is the first report and molecular characterization of Ae. albopictus from Sudan. Our sequences cluster with populations from the Central African Republic and La Reunion. Worryingly, this finding associates with a major increase in chikungunya and dengue outbreaks in rural areas of the study region and might be linked to the mosquito's spread across the region. The emergence of Ae. albopictus in Sudan is of serious public health concern and urges for the improvement of the vector surveillance and control system through the implementation of an integrated molecular xenosurveillance. The threat of major arboviral diseases in the region underlines the need for the institutionalization of the One Health strategy for the prevention and control of future pandemics

    Proposed Composite Location ID Code Needed for Asset management of Electric Distribution Networks

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    The absence of as built GIS map for lowvoltage ( LV ) electric network due to a very limited freezeperiod compared with the case of medium voltage (MV)electric network ,accordingly the location ID needed forasset management cannot be expressed purely spatial butthe LV network topology should be incorporated with thespatial location ID of the related topologically MVnetwork. As the LV network topology has a standarddata model and generic naming conventions , accordinglythe needed topological code can be created directly foreach LV network elements and then the composite locationID can be identified simply for each element of electricnetwork . The proposed approach is illustrated via selectedcase study

    Pharyngitis and sore throat: A review

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    Pharyngitis is a sore throat caused by inflammation of the back of the throat. It is one of the most common reasons for visits to family physicians. Throat may be scratchy and swallowing can be painful. Usually, a sore throat is the sign of another illness, such as a cold or the flu. In this review article, epidemiology, national perspective, regional perspective, pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, clinical presentation and causes of pharyngitis was described.Key words: Pharyngitis, sore throat, inflammation

    Urine Cytology for Detection of Bladder Carcinoma: Experience of Gezira Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery(GHRDS)

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    Background: Urine cytology has been and remains the standard in the initial evaluation of lower urinary tract lesions to rule out bladder cancer. Objectives:  To evaluate the significance of urine cytology as a diagnostic tool for bladder cancer and a to assess the cytological pattern in voided and washed urine. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive hospital-based study. A total of 43 patients who were suspected to have bladder tumors based on both clinical and radiological findings. Pre-cystoscopy voided urine specimens and post-cystoscopy bladder wash specimens were collected. Three stains were used in preparation of cytological smears Hematoxylin / Eosin, Diff-Quik and May-GrĂĽnwald Giemsa, whenever possible equivalent histopathological diagnosis was obtained. Results: This study included 86 urine cytology specimens obtained from a total of 43 cases of suspected bladder cancer. Muscle invasive cases had the higher percentage (37.2%) with more prominent features of malignancy in cytology than the earliest stages. In 30.2% of voided urine specimens were excellent, while 79.1% of bladder wash specimens had excellent quality with more cellularity and preservation of cells in cytological smears. Conclusion: Urine cytology is a reliable method in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. The quality of washed urine is better than voided urine in cytological results

    The Phylodynamic and spread of the invasive Asian malaria vectors, Anopheles stephensi, in Sudan

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    Anopheles stephensi is an invasive Asian malaria vector that initially emerged in Africa in 2012 and was reported in Sudan in 2019. We investigated the distribution and population structure of An. stephensi throughout Sudan by using sequencing and molecular tools. We confirmed the presence of An. stephensi in eight border-states, identifying both natural and human-made breeding sites. Our analysis revealed the presence of 20 haplotypes with different distributions per state. This study revealed a countrywide spread of An. stephensi in Sudan, with confirmed presence in borders states with Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, Republic of Central Africa, and South Sudan. Detection of An. stephensi at points of entry with these countries, particularly Chad, Libya, and South Sudan, indicates the rapid previously undetected spread of this invasive vector. Our phylogenetic and haplotype analysis suggested local establishment and evolutionary adaptation of the vector to different ecological and environmental conditions in Sudan. Urgent engagement of the global community is essential to control and prevent further spread into Africa

    The relationship between serum osteopontin level and parameters of Chronic Kidney Disease – mineral bone disease in patients on regular hemodialysis

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    Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is becoming a major health concern worldwide. For many patients, CKD is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein first identified in bone tissue and has pleiotropic functions due to its common expression in the main organs and apparatuses. It is a phosphorylated glycophosphoprotein composed of 314 amino acids, involved in biomineralization and remodeling.Objective: This research aimed to assess the serum level of osteopontin in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on regular haemodialysis and to correlate osteopontin level in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis with other biomarkers CKD-MBD.Patients & Methods: This Study was conducted on 160 participants that were divided into two groups. Control group included 80 healthy subjects of both sexes, and patients group that included 80 ESRD patients on regular hemodialysis of both sexes. All studied groups were subjected to osteopontin level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Serum osteopontin levels were higher in ESRD patients on regular dialysis than in healthy individuals, where it might have a higher predictive value for CKD development. Also, they were positively correlated with serum phosphorus, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum parathyroid hormone, which are parameters of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder.Conclusion: Osteopontin may be considered an early marker of chronic kidney disease

    Cantharidin Poisoning due to Blister Beetle Ingestion in Children : Two case reports and a review of clinical presentations

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    Cantharidin is an intoxicant found in beetles in the Meloidae (Coleoptera) family. Ingestion may result in haematemesis, impaired level of consciousness, electrolyte disturbance, haematurea and renal impairment. Here, we report two paediatric cases of meloid beetle ingestion resulting in cantharidin poisoning and the clinical presentation of the ensuing intoxication
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