Analysis and Modeling Experiment Performance Parameters of Routing Protocols in MANETs and VANETs

In this paper, a framework for experimental parameters in which Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), effect of link duration over End-to-End Delay (E2ED) and Normalized Routing Overhead (NRO) in terms of control packets is analyzed and modeled for Mobile Ad-Hoc NETworks (MANETs) and Vehicular Ad-Hoc NETworks (VANETs) with the assumption that nodes (vehicles) are sparsely moving in two different road. Moreover, this paper contributes the performance comparison of one Proactive Routing Protocol; Destination Sequenced Distance vector (DSDV) and two reactive protocols; DYnamic Source Routing (DSR) and DYnamic MANET On-Demand (DYMO). A novel contribution of this work is enhancements in default versions of selected routing protocols. Three performance parameters; PDR, E2ED and NRO with varying scalabilities are measured to analyze the performance of selected routing protocols with their original and enhanced versions. From extensive simulations, it is observed that DSR outperforms among all three protocols at the cost of delay. NS-2 simulator is used for simulation with TwoRayGround propagation model to evaluate analytical results

Performance Analysis of Hierarchical Routing Protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks

This work focusses on analyzing the optimization strategies of routing protocols with respect to energy utilization of sensor nodes in Wireless Sensor Network (WSNs). Different routing mechanisms have been proposed to address energy optimization problem in sensor nodes. Clustering mechanism is one of the popular WSNs routing mechanisms. In this paper, we first address energy limitation constraints with respect to maximizing network life time using linear programming formulation technique. To check the efficiency of different clustering scheme against modeled constraints, we select four cluster based routing protocols; Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH), Threshold Sensitive Energy Efficient sensor Network (TEEN), Stable Election Protocol (SEP), and Distributed Energy Efficient Clustering (DEEC). To validate our mathematical framework, we perform analytical simulations in MATLAB by choosing number of alive nodes, number of dead nodes, number of packets and number of CHs, as performance metrics.Comment: NGWMN with 7th IEEE International Conference on Broadband and Wireless Computing, Communication and Applications (BWCCA 2012), Victoria, Canada, 201

Drone detection in long-range surveillance videos

© 2019 IEEE. The usage of small drones/UAVs has significantly increased recently. Consequently, there is a rising potential of small drones being misused for illegal activities such as terrorism, smuggling of drugs, etc. posing high-security risks. Hence, tracking and surveillance of drones are essential to prevent security breaches. The similarity in the appearance of small drone and birds in complex background makes it challenging to detect drones in surveillance videos. This paper addresses the challenge of detecting small drones in surveillance videos using popular and advanced deep learning-based object detection methods. Different CNN-based architectures such as ResNet-101 and Inception with Faster-RCNN, as well as Single Shot Detector (SSD) model was used for experiments. Due to sparse data available for experiments, pre-trained models were used while training the CNNs using transfer learning. Best results were obtained from experiments using Faster-RCNN with the base architecture of ResNet-101. Experimental analysis on different CNN architectures is presented in the paper, along with the visual analysis of the test dataset

Screening of various botanical extracts for antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical method

Aiming at the exploration of herbal use by society, crude extracts of the seeds of some commonly used medicinal plants (Vitis vinifera, Tamarindus indica and Glycin max) were screened for their free radical scavenging  properties using ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. The overall antioxidant activity of grape seeds (Vitis vinifera) was the strongest, followed in descending order by soybean (Glycin max) and tamarind (Tamarindus indica). The seeds extract of Vitis vinifera, Glycin max and Tamarindus indica showed 85.61%, 83.45% and 79.26%, DPPH  scavenging activity respectively.Key words: Antioxidant activity, DPPH, free-radical, Vitis vinifera, Glycin max, Tamarindus indica

Extraction and quantification of polyphenols from kinnow (Citrus reticulate L.) peel using ultrasound and maceration techniques

AbstractAn investigation was carried out to extract polyphenols from the peel of kinnow (Citrus reticulate L.) by maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) techniques. The antioxidant potential of these polyphenols was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and superoxide radical scavenging assays; and their antimicrobial activity was assessed against bacterial strains Staphyloccoccus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella typhimurium. The highest extraction yield was obtained through the solvent ethanol at 80% concentration level, whereas UAE was a more efficient technique and yielded comparatively higher polyphenol contents than maceration. Maximum polyphenols were extracted with 80% methanol [32.48 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract] using UAE, whereas minimum phenolics (8.64 mg GAE/g extract) were obtained with 80% ethyl acetate through the maceration technique. Elevated antioxidant activity of kinnow peel extracts was exhibited in three antioxidant assays, where 80% methanolic extracts showed the highest antioxidant activity (27.67±1.11mM/100 g for FRAP) and the highest scavenging activity, 72.83±0.65% and 64.80±0.91% for DPPH and superoxide anion radical assays, respectively. Strong correlations between total polyphenols and antioxidant activity were recorded. Eleven phenolic compounds—including five phenolic acids and six flavonoids—were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Ferulic acid and hesperidin were the most abundant compounds whereas caffeic acid was the least abundant phenolic compound in kinnow peel extracts. Maximum inhibition zone was recorded against S. aureus (16.00±0.58 mm) whereas minimum inhibition zone was noted against S. typhimurium (9.00±1.16 mm). It was concluded that kinnow mandarin peels, being a potential source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, may be used as an ingredient for the preparation of functional foods

Frequency of etiologies of acute kidney injury in Faisalabad and surrounding districts

Background: To find out the causes of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in population.Methods: A total of 150 patients were enrolled from medical, surgical, gynecology and obstetrics units of Allied Hospital and Madinah Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. History, physical examination and investigations were recorded on specially designed proforma. Patients were evaluated to find out the etiologies of AKI. All patients were subjected to urine analysis, complete blood count, blood biochemistry (urea, creatinine, electrolytes, uric acid, calcium and phosphorus) and ultrasound scan of the abdomen and pelvis. Renal biopsy, immunological assays, such as hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis C virus antibody, complements level, antinuclear antibody, anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody were performed in selected cases.Results: Male (36%) and female (64%). Pre-renal AKI was most common and was reported in 80 patients (53.33%). Intrinsic Renal azotemia in 56 patients (37.33%). Post renal azotemia in 14 patients (9.33%). Among 80 patients of prerenal AKI, hemorrhage in 45(56.25%), gastroenteritis in 16(20%), sepsis in 8(10%), cardiac diseases in 4(5%), hepatorenal syndrome in 3 (3.75%), peritonitis in 2 (2.50%) and burns in 2(2.50%) were the main causes of Pre-renal AKI. Among 56 patients of intrinsic renal AKI, 40(71.4%) had acute tubular necrosis (ATN), 12(21.4%) with multifactorial causes and 4(7.14%) were found to have glomerulonephritis. Among 14 patients of post renal AKI, 6(42.9%) were having calculi, 6(42.9%) were to have enlarged prostate and 2(4.3%) were having stricture urethra. In this study, contribution of obstetrical, medical and surgical etiologies were recorded as 40%, 36% and 20% respectively.Conclusions: In contrast to study reported from neighbouring country, this study shows rather increase in pregnancy related AKI

Tailoring surface properties, biocompatibility and corrosion behavior of stainless steel by laser induced periodic surface treatment towards developing biomimetic stents

Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) holds great potential for regenerative biomedicine. Creating highly precise LIPSS enables to generate biomimetic implant surfaces with improved properties. The present study focuses on the fabrication and investigation of laser-treated stainless steel samples with applied linear LIPSS patterns with grooves made by means of a picosecond laser system using wavelengths of 1064 nm and 532 nm. To investigate properties of the laser-treated surfaces and to understand the basics of cell-surface interactions between the LIPSS and human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UCMSC), flat stainless steel samples with various applied nanopatterns were used. Such LIPSSs demonstrated higher surface roughness, good biocompatibility, lower wettability and higher corrosion resistance compared to the untreated (polished) spec-imens. The surface roughness of laser-treated samples was in microscale that enabled adhesion and migration of endothelial cells, thus increasing the likelihood for endothelialisation. This thereby could reduce the chances for the development of Late Stent Thrombosis (LST) and In-Stent Restenosis (ISR). Furthermore, laser textured surfaces demonstrated an environment supportive for cell attachment, proliferation and alignment with the nanogroves. Therefore, application of the biomimetic nanopatterns could help to overcome frequent post-surgery complications after the stent implantation

Computational Validation of Injection Molding Tooling by Additive Layer Manufacture to Produce EPDM Exterior Automotive Seals

During the design and development of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) exterior automotive seals, prototype components can only manufactured through production tooling platforms by either injection molding or extrusion. Consequently, tooling is expensive and has long lead times. This paper investigates whether additive layer manufacture is a viable method for producing tooling used in injection molding of exterior automotive seals in EPDM. Specifically, a novel rapid tooling is a method that combines additive layer manufacture (ALM) with epoxy reinforcement. Computational validation is performed whereby the mechanical properties of the tool are evaluated. The research has concluded that the novel tooling configuration would be suitable for prototyping purposes which would drastically reduce both costly and environmentally detrimental pre-manufacturing processes. This work has laid the foundations to implement rapid tooling technology to the injection molding of prototype EPDM parts

AOSpine Consensus Paper on Nomenclature for Working-Channel Endoscopic Spinal Procedures

Study Design: International consensus paper on a unified nomenclature for full-endoscopic spine surgery. Objectives: Minimally invasive endoscopic spinal procedures have undergone rapid development during the past decade. Evolution of working-channel endoscopes and surgical instruments as well as innovation in surgical techniques have expanded the types of spinal pathology that can be addressed. However, there is in the literature a heterogeneous nomenclature defining approach corridors and procedures, and this lack of common language has hampered communication between endoscopic spine surgeons, patients, hospitals, and insurance providers. Methods: The current report summarizes the nomenclature reported for working-channel endoscopic procedures that address cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal pathology. Results: We propose a uniform system that defines the working-channel endoscope (full-endoscopic), approach corridor (anterior, posterior, interlaminar, transforaminal), spinal segment (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), and procedure performed (eg, discectomy, foraminotomy). We suggest the following nomenclature for the most common full-endoscopic procedures: posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy (PECF), transforaminal endoscopic thoracic discectomy (TETD), transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD), transforaminal lumbar foraminotomy (TELF), interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy (IELD), interlaminar endoscopic lateral recess decompression (IE-LRD), and lumbar endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (LE-ULBD). Conclusions: We believe that it is critical to delineate a consensus nomenclature to facilitate uniformity of working-channel endoscopic procedures within academic scholarship. This will hopefully facilitate development, standardization of procedures, teaching, and widespread acceptance of full-endoscopic spinal procedures

The importance of service quality in British Muslim’s choice of an Islamic or non-Islamic bank account

Using an extended SERVQUAL model, this study identifies and compares the importance of service quality to Muslim consumers with an Islamic or non-Islamic bank account in a non-Muslim country, Britain. Eight group discussions and survey with 300 Muslims were conducted. Five dimensions of service quality were identified, i.e. Responsiveness, Credibility, Islamic Tangibles, Accessibility and Reputation. These differ in structure and content from the original SERVQUAL developed in the west and the subsequent CARTER model constructed in a Muslim country. In addition, significant differences were found in the importance rating of items by respondents holding an account with an Islamic bank compared to those with a non-Islamic bank account. This study is one of the first to identify and compare the importance of service quality between Islamic and non-Islamic bank account holders in a western non-Muslim country. The results advance our understanding of the impact of culture on SERVQUAL. The study provides insight into Muslims’ bank choice and helps bank managers of both Islamic and non-Islamic banks to focus their attention on the service quality dimensions that matter most to Muslim customers