A Ubiquitous Solution for Mitigation of Black Hole Attack in Cognitive Radio

In the current scenario Cognitive Radio (CR) has become one of the best available solution for spectrum shortage problem. Moreover, for secure data transmission over these networks it is mandatory to make these networks robust and less vulnerable against the various types of attacks. Through this paper we have presented a ubiquitous solution for one of the attack viz. black hole attack. Its implementation and simulation in detail with PDR and Throughput. The paper deals with different type of attacks and protocols explained well here. Further there is implemention of algorithm on different parameters to achieve the improved rates than earlier solutions. The paper also deals with question of selecting AODV as it protocol used in simulation. Many aspects of attacks, secure network environment are explained here in this paper. Finally in simulation we got improved results for the parameters taken with some modification in AODV protocol

Short term results of endoscopic discectomy in lumbar spine

A recent modification to lumbar discectomy involves the use of a micro-endoscope instead of an operating microscope for visualization. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) uses a rigid operating spinal endoscope that allows direct visualization and excision of contained and non-contained herniated disc fragments. The advantages of Endoscopic lumbar discectomy are remarkable due to minimal bone resection, no damage to paravertebral muscles, rapid recovery, minimally procedure related morbidity, cost-effectiveness and high patient satisfaction rate. Aims and objectives is to study and evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of endoscopic lumbar discectomy over a period of 6 months.24 patients underwent endoscopic lumbar discectomy proven with MRI in a span of 3 years from 2018 to 2021. Every patient was followed up for 6 months in an observational, retrospective and prospective type of study and assessed on the basis of MacNab criteria, VAS pain score, Oswestry low back pain questionnaire. Mean preoperative Oswestry disability score (ODS) was 74.38 while mean postoperative ODS was found to be 29.25. Preoperative, while analyzing through Macnab criteria, poor results were seen in 95.83% of patients while fair results were seen in 4.17% of patients. Postoperatively excellent results were seen in 16.67% of patients while good results were seen in 83.34% of patients. Mean preoperative VAS was 7.33 while mean postoperative VAS was found to be 2.91. Endoscopic discectomy is a safe and effective procedure where patient satisfaction and pain relief are not compromised. It may be an effective and alternative treatment option for the upward migration of disc herniation in the upper lumbar area and offers additional advantage for early mobilization and faster improvement

Hand Gesture Recognition for Performing General Operations on Computer Machine

In this paper we introduce a prototype of hand gesture recognition system to interpret single handed static human hand gestures for the purpose of performing operations on the computer machine. This system makes use of an external webcam to capture the single handed static hand gesture of the user, identify the hand gesture and perform the desired associated action after matching the input gesture with the ones present in the database. Our real time hand recognition system is three fold: 1) feature extraction, 2) enhancement and 3) recognition. Extraction of the feature is achieved with the help of background subtraction. For the purpose of feature enhancement and image processing OpenCV libraries are imported and used. For recognition, various features with their own objectives are constructed from hand postures and compared according to the similarity measures and the best- matched posture is used for performing the desired action after matching. We can also build application interfaces for devices running on Operating systems such as air conditioners, smart TVs and computers by using this system. DOI: 10.17762/ijritcc2321-8169.150312

Development of a self-consistent thermodynamically optimized database along with phase transition experiments in Ni-Mn-Ga system for magnetocaloric applications

Magnetocaloric materials have received significant attention of research community as they can minimize the use of harmful gases (CFCs, HFCs) and render eco-friendly refrigeration. Heusler alloys (Ni2MnGa) are known for their magnetocaloric effects, which make them useful as energy efficient and eco-friendly refrigerating materials. Magnetocaloric properties significantly depend on the composition of these alloys. Ni-Mn-Ga is one of the interesting Heusler systems, which exhibits magnetocaloric properties. In the present study, we performed the thermodynamic optimization of two sub binaries of the Ni-Mn-Ga system: Mn-Ga and Ni-Ga, using CALPHAD approach. A Modified Quasichemical Model (MQM) was used to describe the thermodynamic properties of the liquid solutions in both the binaries. Both the binaries were combined with Mn-Ni to develop a self-consistent thermodynamic database for Ni-Mn-Ga. In order to resolve the existing experimental discrepancies in the Mn-Ga and Ni-Ga system, few alloy compositions were prepared and analyzed using differential thermal analysis. Finally, the developed thermodynamic database was used to calculate the ternary isothermal section of the Ni-Mn-Ga (Heusler alloy) system at 1073 K with a proposed phase region for magnetocaloric applications.Comment: 26 Pages, 10 Figure

New classification of S1 pedicle morphometry impacting pedicle screw insertion technique

Background: The conventional entry point for the S1 pedicle screw insertion has been described as ‘at the base of and lateral to the superior S1 superior facet’. However, many orthopaedic surgeons complain that this technique is extremely demanding and is faced with many challenges in execution. Therefore, alternative entry points and modifications of existing techniques are explored for a greater convenience.Methods: We conducted a survey amongst 136 spine surgeons on the technical difficulties faced during insertion of the S1 pedicle screw. We also classified the S1 pedicles based by measuring their geometric parameters on 100 random computed tomography (CT) images.Results: The S1 pedicle entry technique was considered to be the most difficult and challenging by the orthopaedic surgeons in our survey due to an inadequate medial angulation due to paraspinal muscle mass tension and an overhanging iliac crest. This could be explained by the hourglass shaped pedicle (type 3) with a desired medial angle more 50 degrees (type III) observed as the most common S1 pedicle in the study population. To overcome this limitation, most of them preferred a tri-corticate approach.Conclusions: A more lateral entry point and a longer screw might be considered as solutions for a better and safer S1 pedicle entry. Also, the use of pre-operative CT can be considered to visualize the type of S1 pedicle and hence, decide on the most appropriate technique of screw insertion.

Comparative Genomics of Escherichia coli Isolated from Skin and Soft Tissue and Other Extraintestinal Infections

Escherichia coli, an intestinal Gram-negative bacterium, has been shown to be associated with a variety of diseases in addition to intestinal infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), meningitis in neonates, septicemia, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), and colisepticemia. Thus, for nonintestinal infections, it is categorized as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). It is also an opportunistic pathogen, causing cross infections, notably as an agent of zoonotic diseases. However, comparative genomic data providing functional and genetic coordinates for ExPEC strains associated with these different types of infections have not proven conclusive. In the study reported here, ExPEC E. coli isolated from SSTIs was characterized, including virulence and drug resistance profiles, and compared with isolates from patients suffering either pyelonephritis or septicemia. Results revealed that the majority of the isolates belonged to two pathogenic phylogroups, B2 and D. Approximately 67% of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with 85% producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and 6% producing metallo- beta-lactamase (MBL). The blaCTX-M-15 genotype was observed in at least 70% of the E. coli isolates in each category, conferring resistance to an extended range of beta-lactam antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics of the ExPEC isolates revealed that two of the four isolates from SSTIs, NA633 and NA643, belong to pandemic sequence type ST131, whereas functional characteristics of three of the ExPEC pathotypes revealed that they had equal capabilities to form biofilm and were resistant to human serum. Overall, the isolates from a variety of ExPEC infections demonstrated similar resistomes and virulomes and did not display any disease-specific functional or genetic coordinates. IMPORTANCE Infections caused by extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) are of global concern as they result in significant costs to health care facilities management. The recent emergence of a multidrug-resistant pandemic clone, Escherichia coli ST131, is of primary concern as a global threat. In developing countries, such as India, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) associated with E. coli are marginally addressed. In this study, we employed both genomic analysis and phenotypic assays to determine relationships, if any, among the ExPEC pathotypes. Similarity between antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles was observed, ST131 isolates from SSTIs were reported, and genomic similarities among strains isolated from different disease conditions were detected. This study provides functional molecular infection epidemiology insight into SSTI- associated E. coli compared with ExPEC pathotypes