3D Placement of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Base Station (UAV-BS) for Energy-Efficient Maximal Coverage

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle mounted base stations (UAV-BSs) can provide wireless services in a variety of scenarios. In this letter, we propose an optimal placement algorithm for UAV-BSs that maximizes the number of covered users using the minimum transmit power. We decouple the UAV-BS deployment problem in the vertical and horizontal dimensions without any loss of optimality. Furthermore, we model the UAV-BS deployment in the horizontal dimension as a circle placement problem and a smallest enclosing circle problem. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method for different spatial distributions of the users

Transcriptional analysis of biopsies derived from in vitro produced bovine blastocysts in relation to pregnancy success after transfer to recipients

This study was carried out to address the relationship between the transcriptional profile of embryos and the pregnancy success based on gene expression analysis of blastocyst biopsies taken prior to transfer to recipients. For this, biopsies (30-40% of the intact embryo) were taken from day 7. Blastocysts (n=118) and 60-70% part were transferred to recipients after re-expansion. Based on the success of pregnancy, biopsies were pooled in three groups (each 10 biopsies) namely: those resulting in no pregnancy (G1), resorption (G2) and those resulting in delivery of calf (G3). Gene expression analysis of these groups was performed using a home made bovine preimplantation specific cDNA array (with 219 clones) and BlueChip (with ~2000 clones). Data analysis using Significant Analysis for Microarray (SAM) software revealed that a total of 52 and 58 genes were differentially regulated during comparison between G1 versus G3 and G2 versus G3 respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to validate the results of the microarray experiments. G3-Biopsies are enriched with genes necessary for implantation (COX-2 and CDX2), carbohydrate metabolism (ALOX15), growth factor (BMP15), response to oxidative stress (TXN), signal transduction (PLAU) and placenta-specific 8 (PLAC8). G2-Biopsies are enriched with transcripts involved protein phosphorylation (KRT8), plasma membrane (OCLN) and glucose metabolism (PGK, AKR1B1). G1-Biopsies are enriched with transcripts involved inflammatory cytokines (TNF), and factors relevant for protein amino acid binding (EEF1A1), transcription factors (MSX1, PTTG1), glucose metabolism (PGK1, AKR1B1) and CD9 which is an inhibitor of implantation. The bovine MSX1 protein detected by immunohistochemistry was localized in the cytoplasm of immature oocytes and distributed at periphery of the cytoplasm of matured oocytes. Throughout the preimplantation period the staining was apparently more concentrated around the nuclei, whereas the ICM in blastocyst showed weaker labelling for MSX1 than the trophectoderm. In conclusion, we generated direct candidates of genes which may play an important role in determining the fate of the embryo after transfer. Genexpressionsprofile von in vitro produzierten Rinderembryobiopsien in Relation zur in vivo Entwicklung nach Transfer In dieser Arbeit wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen Genexpression in Embryonen und Trächtigkeitserfolg, basierend auf der Expressionsanalyse von vor dem Transfer an den Rezipienten gewonnenen Blastozystenbiopsien, untersucht. Hierzu wurden Biopsien (30- 40% des intakten Embryos) von Tag 7 Blastozysten genommen (n=118) und der 60-70% Restteil den Rezipienten nach Re-expansion transferiert. Basierend auf dem Erfolg der Trächtigkeit wurden die Biopsien in 3 Gruppen (je 10 Biopsien) gepoolt, nämlich: jene, die in keiner Trächtigkeit resultierten (G1), resorbierte Embryonen (G2) und jene, die in Geburt eines Kalbes resultierten (G3). Die Genexpressionsanalyse dieser Gruppen wurde mit einem selbsthergestellten bovinen präimplantationsspezifischen cDNA Array (mit 219 Clonen) und mit BlueChip (mit ~2000 Clonen) durchgeführt. Die Datenanalyse mittels Significant Analysis for Microarray (SAM) Software zeigte insgesamt 52 bzw. 58 unterschiedlich regulierte Gene im Vergleich zwischen G1 versus G3 und G2 versus G3. Quantitative real-time PCR wurde zur Bestätigung der durch das Microarray-Experiment entdeckten unterschiedlich exprimierten Gene eingesetzt. G3-Biopsien exprimierten herstäarkt solche Gene, die notwendig für Implantation (COX-2 und CDX2), Kohlenhydratmetabolismus (ALOX15), Wachstum (BMP15), oxidative Stressantwort (TXN), Signalübermittlung (PLAU) und Plazentafunktion-8 (PLAC8), sind die Biopsien der resorbierten Embryonen zeigten vermehrt Transkripte, die in Protein-phosphorylation (KRT8), Plasmamembranaufbau (OCLN) und Glucosemetabolismus (PGK1, AKR1B1). Involvirt sind die Biopsien von G1-Embryonen, exprimierten vermehrt Transkripte von Zytokinen (TNF), Proteinaminoacidbindung (EEF1A1), Transkriptionfaktoren (MSX1, PTTG1), Enzymen des Glucosemetabolismus (PGK1, AKR1B1) und CD9, einem Inhibitor der Implantation. Zusammengefasst lässt sich sagen, dass wir direkte Kandidatengene identifiziert haben, die eine wichtige Rolle in der Bestimmung der Enwicklungsfähigheit des Embryos nach dem Transfer spielen könnten

A grounded theory analysis of the pre-measurement phase for the accounting recognition of assets

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This thesis induces a theory for the pre-measurement phase of the asset recognition process in the financial reporting domain centred upon the use of the induced artefact-based asset recognition criteria which are applicable to all assets. In common with standard-setting bodies, such as the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), I adopt a social constructionist stance (Miller, 1994). It is one that is constructed from a process of consultation. I consult in order to, first, explore the accounting asset recognition process from a conceptual point of view and, second, so that my social construction in that regard can be legitimised, for the most part, on the basis of a consensus of those consulted. However, unlike the standard setters‘ regulatory process, my analysis is structured using a grounded theory approach. The target audience comprises those experts who have been and/or who are currently involved in some way with the development of the IASB‘s conceptual framework (CF) project, including IASB board members. Different data collection methods were adopted combing both qualitative and quantitative data. In respect of the qualitative research, I carried out two sets of interviews. The first set was conducted with Canadian Accounting Standards Board members in May 2008 and International Accounting Standard Board members in June, 2008. The second set was conducted with more International Accounting Standard Board members, UK-Accounting Standard Baord members and other experts within the area being studied. These two sets of interviews were useful for determining the preliminary concepts and categories in the open coding and axial coding structure. In respect of the quantitative research, the concepts and categories raised from the first two sets of interviews were then used to construct an on line questionnaire. The questionnaires were emailed to national standard setters in Canada, the USA, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom. This has been followed up with an interview with UK ASB director to help in finalising the theory saturation and to validate the reliability of the generated theory. The generated theory demonstrates a three-circled set of criteria for the pre-measurement phase of an asset recognition process. The three-circled set of asset recognition criteria presented in this thesis breaks free from the narrow definitional and rule based perspective of accounting epistemology to offer an alternative view based on the recognition of artefacts

Expression of CD80 and CD86 on T lymphocytes and monocytes of asthmatic children

Background: For T lymphocytes to get optimally activated, they need costimulatory signals that can be provided efficiently by costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86Objective: This study was done to assess the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on T lymphocytes and monocytes of asthmatic children. The effect of clinical grading of asthma and intake of inhaled steroids on the level of their expression was assessed.Methods: The study included 44 asthmatics (12 with acute asthma and 32 in between attacks) and 12 controls. The asthmatic children were classified according to clinical severity into mild (15 cases), moderate (9 cases) and severe (8 cases). Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the expression of CD80 and CD86 on blood T lymphocytes and monocytesResults: The percentage of expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on T lymphocytes and monocytes were statistically higher in asthmatic children whether in acute or in between attacks compared to the control group (p<0.05). This up regulation suggests their critical role in pathogenesis of bronchial allergic inflammation in asthma. The percentage of expression of CD80 and CD86 on monocytes were significantly higher in asthmatics during their acute exacerbations compared to those in between attacks (p<0.05). Comparing the clinical subgroups of asthma, there was no statistically significant difference between mild and moderate asthmatics as regards level of co-expression (p > 0.05); however the difference was statistically significant between mild and severe cases (p <0.05).  Asthmatics on inhaled steroids showed significant lower percentage of CD80 and CD86 expression on T lymphocytes and monocytes.Conclusion: The enhanced expression of both CD80 and CD86 on antigenpresenting cells and T lymphocytes in bronchial asthma is probably  involved in the establishment and maintenance of chronic inflammation of the airways.Key words: Asthma, T lymphocytes, Costimulation, CD80 and CD86

Assessing the Experience of Universities' Online Admission in Egypt: An Experiment Conducted during the COVID-19

The research aims to test selected universities' websites in Egypt by conducting an experiment on the on-line admission process experiments during the COVID-19. The sample exceeds 60 % (16) universities of total national and private universities chosen randomly. The invited participants were high school graduates who seek information about universities and apply on-line. They are participating while applying the on-line, the data were collected by three rounds demanding to reach the highest number of participants ended by receiving 73 valid experiments. Summing -up with the answers research questions were obtained by analyzing the received valid data. Universities' websites investigated against information criteria. Moreover, ranking them based on time to find applying-online, then to perform the activity. The research results revealed universities’ interest in updating websites and accessibility of on-line admission across universities' websites, meanwhile, for applying-online activity time to find and to perform were varied through the same universities' websites. Keywords: Online, Admission, Experiment, the COVID-19, national and private Universities' Websites, Egypt, Apply On-line, Higher Education (HE), Applicants, Information Criteria DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/69-06 Publication date:December 31st 202

Increased expression of T- cell- surface CXCR4 in asthmatic children

Background: Signals delivered through the chemokine receptor CXCR4 upon interaction with its ligand, SDF-1 α/β result in the most efficacious chemoattraction of T lymphocytes to the asthmatic airways with the resultant lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Objective: The extensive pharmacological and physiological evidence that CXCR4 chemokine receptor influences the allergic airway disease has stimulated us to study the relation between its expression in peripheral blood T lymphocytes and the exacerbation of asthmatic attacks of varying severity. Methods: The chemokine receptor CXCR4 was assayed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood T lymphocytes from 25 asthmatic children, during asthma exacerbation and after complete remission of symptoms and physical signs. The results were compared to those of 30 healthy children. Results: The CXCR4 expression in peripheral blood T lymphocytes was significantly increased in children with acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma as compared to controls (mean ± SD = 62.27 ± 17.57% versus 24.76 ± 6.88%; p < 0.001). After remission of acute attacks, the CXCR4 expression decreased significantly as compared to the values during attacks (mean ± SD = 40.90 ± 13.25%), however, the level of expression during quiescence was still significantly higher than the values of the controls (mean ± SD = 40.90 ± 13.25%; p < 0.001). The CXCR4 expression was significantly higher in children with acute severe asthma as compared to those with either mild or moderate attacks. During remission, patients with mild intermittent asthma had less expression of CXCR4 when compared to any grade of persistent asthma, while the results were comparable between all groups of persistent asthma of varying severity. A significant positive correlation could link the CXCR4% to the absolute eosinophilic count during acute asthma attacks. Conclusion: CXCR4 is over-expressed in T lymphocytes of asthmatic children. It was found to be related to disease activity and seems to be involved in the establishment and maintenance of chronic inflammation of the airways.Keywords: Asthma, chemokine receptors, CXCR4, children, T lymphocytesEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2003; 1(2): 80-

Improve Quality of Smart Universities through Information Technology Infrastructure Library Methodology

This paper focuses on educational institutions are increasingly seeking innovative ways to enhance the quality of their services. Smart universities, a product of this technological evolution, aim to provide students with cutting-edge educational experiences. One of the pivotal factors in achieving this goal is the effective management of Information Technology (IT) services. The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) methodology is recognized worldwide as a robust framework for IT service management. Its principles and best practices have been successfully applied in various sectors to optimize processes, enhance service quality, and ensure efficient resource utilization. Given the ever-growing reliance on IT within educational institutions, implementing ITIL in smart universities has the potential to significantly elevate the quality of education. This paper explores the vital role that the ITIL methodology plays in improving the quality of smart universities. It delves into how the principles and practices of ITIL can be strategically integrated into the operational fabric of higher education institutions. By leveraging ITIL, universities can not only bolster their IT service management but also enrich the overall educational experience for students, ultimately contributing to the realization of truly smart and technologically advanced learning environments