An Energy Efficient Architecture for IoT Based Automated Smart Micro-Grid

The concept of smart grid is getting more and more attention for efficient energy generation and distribution. There is a need to reduce the energy consumption by efficiently utilizing the resources. Smart gird originates the research in a number of associated applications. These include energy consumption, minimization, database efficiency and efficient communication infrastructure. In this article, we proposed architecture for optimizing the usage of energy resources by effectively utilizing the Renewable Energy (RE) resources. The proposed architecture utilizes Internet of Things paradigms for collecting the power consumption profile of heterogeneous devices. Based on obtained information, a schedule is generated and distributed by the Micro-Grid for certain devices. The analysis shows the efficiency of proposed architecture by reducing the cost of electricity purchased from the external sources. Finally, the realization of proposed architecture for various robotics applications is explained

Dural Tear, a Feared Complication of Spine Surgery

OBJECTIVES To investigate the incidence, risk factors and clinical presentation of complications in patients undergoing spinal surgery with and without Dural Tear. METHODOLOGY A one-year prospective case-control study was conducted in the department of orthopaedics and spinal surgery at the Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) and Rahman Medical and surgical centre Dagger Buner. The spine surgeon used a discrete surgical approach. The questionnaire was used to collect patient demographic data, surgical information, and data on perioperative and postoperative complications. SPSS version 21.0 statistical software was used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS Dural tears were observed in 3.4% of the patients, among whom 20% experienced a Dural leak. After controlling for potentially confounding variables of age, sex, primary disease, and type of procedure, the surgery-related complications that were more likely to occur in the Dural Tear group than in the non-TD group were surgical site complications OR 2.69 and postoperative neurological defect O 3.28. The proportion of postoperative delirium OR 3.22 was significantly high in the Dural Tear group as perioperative complications CONCLUSION A higher proportion of surgical site infections, postoperative neurological defects and delirium in the Dural Tear group are due to direct complications, such as Dural leakage

An Empirical study on adoption of Agile Project Management Methodology and its effect on Project Success with moderating role of Organizational Culture

Purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of agile project management methodology on project success, as well as the role organizational support as moderator between agile project management methodology and project success. The data for this study has been collected from Telecommunication Services Provider Industry of Pakistan. Total sample size of 197 professionals was recorded. A questionnaire was distributed among the participants via hard copy and internet survey websites. Using collected data, we tested the effect of agile project management methodology on project success and further examined the moderating effect of organizational support between agile project management methodology and project success. The examination included Pearson’s correlation coefficient as well as regression using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 20. Results indicated that project management methodology has a strong correlation with project success and this correlation is not moderated by organizational support. The research findings have practical implications both in organization and project manager’s perspectives. Our research was limited to specific geographic area due to time and cost constraints. Future researchers may opt to conduct the study in other geographic areas of Pakistan and different industry including additional and different moderating variables

Radial forearm free flap: A dynamic flap for single-staged multiple subunit reconstruction

We report the case of a middle aged patient with biopsy proven squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa who presented to us in Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi in April, 2017 and required reconstruction of buccal mucosa, upper lip and lower lip. As per protocol of our institute the lesion was excised by the head and neck surgeon and the defect was reconstructed by our team. The defect was large comprising of buccal mucosa including the left oral commissure, upper lip and the lower lip. It was reconstructed via a free flap and a radial forearm free flap. A specially designed radial forearm free flap was harvested and used for reconstruction which resulted in a good aesthetic and functional outcome

Versatility of the anterolateral thigh flap : an AKUH experience.

Anterolateral thigh flap is used for reconstruction of various soft tissue defects. We planned the study to evaluate the versatility of the anterolateral thigh flap as it may be used for reconstruction of head and neck, torso and extremities with minimal donor-site morbidity. The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised date from October 2012 to December 2015. Of the 75 patients in which anterolateral thigh flap was used for reconstruction, 6(8%) flaps did not survive. The overall flap survival was 69(92%). Anterolateral thigh flap was versatile enough to provide soft tissue coverage to defects of various soft tissue and bulk requirements. Adequate outcomes were achieved pertaining to the reconstruction of the soft tissue defects. Anterolateral thigh flap can be used to reconstruct soft tissue defects almost anywhere and almost of any complexity

3D DRUG PRINTING- A SWING FROM LABORATORY PRODUCTION TO COMPUTERIZED PRODUCTION

Three-Dimensional (3D) printing is a process where objects are made in successive layers under computer control by fusing or depositing materials. The objects can be of nearly any shape or geometry and come in a computer-aided (CAD) design from 3D model. Since 3D printing began in 1984, it has changed enormously and has been used in a wide range of fields, including medicine and architecture. 3D printing moves rapidly and in future will transform and change the way we live and work from laboratory-based organs to pharmaceutical supplies. 3D printing in pharmaceuticals has been used to produce many novel dosage forms like microcapsules, complex drug-release profiles, nanosuspensions, and multilayered drug delivery devices. It also offers important advantages from the industrial point of view such as cost-efficiency, higher productivity, democracy-making and enhanced cooperation. Keeping in view the recent approval given by USFDA to many drug the focus has now shifted to the personalized medicine as it offers an important benefit to patients who need medications that have narrow therapeutic index or a higher predilection to be influenced by genetic polymorphisms. 3D printer is now seen as a valuable, efficient and economical tool to manufacture individualized medications, tailored to specific patients based on their needs and thereby change the future of pharmacy practice in general and pharmaceutical care in particular

Socio-Psychological Effects of Emigration on Left Behind Women in Buner

The present study was conducted to ascertain the socio- psychological effects of emigration on left behind families in district Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The data was collected from 367 sampled respondents, which were selected from four union councils of four tehsils of district Buner. The data was analyzed by using simple percentages and frequency. The chi- square statistics was used to determine association between independent and dependent variables. The study concluded that wives of emigrants faces loneliness; there was more tension in left behind families; basic needs like emotional needs were not fulfilled; conflict has been develop between spouses; emigration of husband force wives to leave the houses for buying of daily needs, goods; in laws start interference and objections on female outside activities. Moreover, the rate of divorce has not been increased after emigration; emigrant’s wives were discriminated by in laws. It is recommended that migrant should increase visiting home or shift their family to abroad to reduce tensions and conflict

PP2A and Its Inhibitors in Helper T-Cell Differentiation and Autoimmunity

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a highly complex heterotrimeric Ser/Thr phosphatase that regulates many cellular processes. The role of PP2A as a tumor suppressor has been extensively studied and reviewed. However, emerging evidence suggests PP2A constrains inflammatory responses and is important in autoimmune and neuroinflammatory diseases. Here, we reviewed the existing literature on the role of PP2A in T-cell differentiation and autoimmunity. We have also discussed the modulation of PP2A activity by endogenous inhibitors and its small-molecule activators as potential therapeutic approaches against autoimmunity

Use of cephalic vein for venous anastomosis in head and neck reconstruction: A case series

Purpose: To describe the use of the cephalic vein as a recipient vessel for venous outflow in head and neck reconstruction. The cephalic vein is used as a vessel in cases where there is a paucity of veins in the neck. This may be due to previous surgery, previous radiation therapy, or advanced cancer. The cephalic vein may also be used to salvage a failing free flap. Methods: It is a retrospective review of 230 free flaps that had been used in head and neck reconstruction performed from July 2014 to July 2018 by a single surgeon. Results: There were 6 patients in whom the cephalic vein was used as a recipient vessel. The cephalic vein was used in 2 cases where a tumor was involved with the internal jugular vein, in 1 case where a previous neck dissection had been done, in 1 case where internal jugular vein had iatrogenic damage, and in 2 cases a salvage procedure was done. In all cases, the cephalic vein was rotated above the clavicle. The cephalic vein easily reached the free flap vein and had a good caliber. There were no failures in any of the patients. Conclusion: The cephalic vein is a good option for venous anastomoses in patients in whom there is a paucity of recipient vessels in the neck