Distance tracking scheme for seamless handover in IMS-based systems with UMTS access network

This paper proposes a fast and seamless handover scheme for systems based on IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architectural framework with Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) access network. In the scheme the location, direction and movement pattern of a Mobile Node (MN) in a network cell are proactively tracked in order to determine the exact moment to trigger the pre-handover process with one of the adjacent cells considering MN’s direction before the execution of Layer 2 handover. The performance of the proposed scheme was evaluated by comparing it with the traditional handover scheme and the evaluation shows that the traditional handover scheme introduced a handover delay of about 675.5 ms, whereas the proposed scheme introduced handover delay of about 96.25 ms, which is less than 100 ms, hence the handover delay introduced by the proposed scheme fall within the specified range of best class service for voice traffic and streaming media over IP networks.Keywords: IMS, Handover delay, Distance Tracking, pre-handover, UMT

Hyper-Erlang Battery-Life Energy Scheme in IEEE 802.16e Networks

IEEE 802.16e networks is one of the broadband wireless technologies that support multimedia services while users are in mobility. Although these users use devices that have limited battery capacity, several energy schemes were proposed to improve the battery-life. However, these schemes inappropriately capture the traffic characteristics, which lead to waste of energy and high response delay. In this paper, a Hyper-Erlang Battery-Life Energy Scheme (HBLES) is proposed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the delay. The scheme analytically modifies idle threshold, initial sleep window and final sleep window based on the remaining battery power and the traffic pattern. It also employs a Hyper-Erlang distribution to determine the real traffic characteristics. Several simulations are carried out to evaluate the performance of the HBLES scheme and the compared scheme.  The results show that the HBLES scheme out performs the existing scheme in terms of energy consumption and response delay

Systematic literature review on SQL injection attack

SQL injection attack is a common threat to web applications that utilizes poor input validation to implement attack on a target database. It is becoming a very serious problem in web applications as successful execution leads to loss of integrity and confidentiality and this makes it a very sensitive issue of software security. The study presents a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on SQL Injection Attacks (SQLIA) following Kitchenham's procedure of performing systematic literature review. This study gives a review on SQL injection attack, detection and prevention techniques. In the end, an evaluation of the techniques is carried out to check the effectiveness of each technique based on how many method of attack it can detect and prevent. It is imperative to note that a good number of the evaluated techniques were able to detect and prevent all types of SQLIA based on the selected criteria. To determine the best technique resources such as memory and processing time need to be considered in the evaluation

An anomaly mitigation framework for IoT using fog computing

The advancement in IoT has prompted its application in areas such as smart homes, smart cities, etc., and this has aided its exponential growth. However, alongside this development, IoT networks are experiencing a rise in security challenges such as botnet attacks, which often appear as network anomalies. Similarly, providing security solutions has been challenging due to the low resources that characterize the devices in IoT networks. To overcome these challenges, the fog computing paradigm has provided an enabling environment that offers additional resources for deploying security solutions such as anomaly mitigation schemes. In this paper, we propose a hybrid anomaly mitigation framework for IoT using fog computing to ensure faster and accurate anomaly detection. The framework employs signature- and anomaly-based detection methodologies for its two modules, respectively. The signature-based module utilizes a database of attack sources (blacklisted IP addresses) to ensure faster detection when attacks are executed from the blacklisted IP address, while the anomaly-based module uses an extreme gradient boosting algorithm for accurate classification of network traffic flow into normal or abnormal. We evaluated the performance of both modules using an IoT-based dataset in terms response time for the signature-based module and accuracy in binary and multiclass classification for the anomaly-based module. The results show that the signature-based module achieves a fast attack detection of at least six times faster than the anomaly-based module in each number of instances evaluated. The anomaly-based module using the XGBoost classifier detects attacks with an accuracy of 99% and at least 97% for average recall, average precision, and average F1 score for binary and multiclass classification. Additionally, it recorded 0.05 in terms of false-positive rates

Security analysis of network anomalies mitigation schemes in IoT networks

The Internet of Things (IoT) is on the rise and it is giving a new shape to several fields such as smart cities, smart homes, smart health, etc. as it facilitates the connection of physical objects to the internet. However, this advancement comes along with new challenges in terms of security of the devices in the IoT networks. Some of these challenges come as network anomalies. Hence, this has prompted the use of network anomaly mitigation schemes as an integral part of the defense mechanisms of IoT networks in order to protect the devices from malicious users. Thus, several schemes have been proposed to mitigate network anomalies. This paper covers a review of different network anomaly mitigation schemes in IoT networks. The schemes' objectives, operational procedures, and strengths are discussed. A comparison table of the reviewed schemes, as well as a taxonomy based on the detection methodology, is provided. In contrast to other surveys that presented qualitative evaluations, our survey provides both qualitative and quantitative evaluations. The UNSW-NB15 dataset was used to conduct a performance evaluation of some classification algorithms used for network anomaly mitigation schemes in IoT. Finally, challenges and open issues in the development of network anomaly mitigation schemes in IoT are discussed

HIV/AIDS: Are Our Secondary School Students in Zaria Metropolis Receiving Adequate Communication from Their Families?

Introduction: Nigeria has one of the highest proportions of cases of HIV/AIDS globally. This burden is more pronounced in the younger population which includes secondary school students (SSS). We set out to  determine the level of family communication among SSS in Zaria metropolis. Subjects and Methods: We carried out a cross‑sectional study among 73 randomly selected students. Data were obtained with a semi‑structured, pretested, self‑administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present data at the univariate level while Chi‑square or Fisher’s exact test was employed to identify the relationship between non-numeric variables with a 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age (± standard deviation) was 16.1 ± 1.1 years. Majority have heard 60 (82.2%) and have good knowledge 55 (75.3%) of family communication. There was an overall positive attitude as 44 (60.3%)  believe it helps prevent HIV/AIDS and 57 (78.1%) believe it is very important and should be encouraged. Most (57 [78.1%]) have had family communication, with mother as the preferred partner 49 (86%). HIV/ AIDS (44 [77.2%]) was the major issue discussed. We out that found the knowledge of family communication was  significantly associated with its practice (P = 0.018). Conclusion: Awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practice of family communication were good among respondents. Father’s educational level and knowledge of family communication were significantly associated with its practice among respondents. More studies are  required to evaluate the determinants of the practice of family communication

Availability and Co-Substrate Potential of Typha latifolia for Biogas Production in Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria

In order to reduce global warming through fossil fuel utilization, biogas production from biodegradable biomass seems a sustainable alternative. This study evaluated the availability and co-substrate potential of T. latifolia for biogas production in Funtua, Katsina State Nigeria. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the wards that were used for this study. A 1204 metres transect was used for 32 quadrats; 19 of these were laid on the 953m contiguous land area at intervals of 50m; 9 quadrats covered 450m, 5 quadrats were on 250m, 3 on 153m, and 2 on 100m. The remaining 13 transects were laid on the 251m un-contiguous patches. Coordinates of various potentials sites were recorded using Global positioning system. There were an average of 27 T. latifolia stands per m2. A total of 32,388 of T. latifolia stands were recorded in the study area; Dukke ward (23,968), Makera (8,205) and Maska 216. T. latifolia is available in lqrge quantities, and a potential co substrate in anaerobic digestion for biogas production in Funtua. It is recommended that the study should be replicated in time later to establish a trend of the T. latifolia species in terms of population

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030