Ontological support for the evolution of future services oriented architectures

Services Oriented Architectures (SOA) have emerged as a useful framework for developing interoperable, large-scale systems, typically implemented using the Web Services (WS) standards. However, the maintenance and evolution of SOA systems present many challenges. SmartLife applications are intelligent user-centered systems and a special class of SOA systems that present even greater challenges for a software maintainer. Ontologies and ontological modeling can be used to support the evolution of SOA systems. This paper describes the development of a SOA evolution ontology and its use to develop an ontological model of a SOA system. The ontology is based on a standard SOA ontology. The ontological model can be used to provide semantic and visual support for software maintainers during routine maintenance tasks. We discuss a case study to illustrate this approach, as well as the strengths and limitations

A roadmap to develop dementia research capacity and capability in Pakistan: a model for low- and middle-income countries

Objective To produce a strategic roadmap for supporting the development of dementia research in Pakistan. Background While global research strategies for dementia research already exist, none is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) like Pakistan. Methods We undertook an iterative consensus process with lay and professional experts to develop a Theory of Change-based strategy for dementia research in Pakistan. This included Expert Reference Groups (ERGs), strategic planning techniques, a “research question” priority survey, and consultations with Key Opinion Leaders. Results We agreed on ten principles to guide dementia research in Pakistan, emphasizing pragmatic, resource sparing, real-world approaches to support people with dementia, both locally and internationally. Goals included capacity/capability building. Priority research topics included raising awareness and understanding of dementia, and improving quality of life. Conclusion This roadmap may be a model for other LMIC health ecosystems with emerging dementia research cultures

An architecture for the generation of intelligent tutoring systems from reusable components and knowledge-based systems

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Michigan State University. Department of Computer Science and Engineering, 2002Includes bibliographical references (pages 183-193

A Transformer-Based Framework for Payload Malware Detection and Classification

As malicious cyber threats become more sophisticated in breaching computer networks, the need for effective intrusion detection systems (IDSs) becomes crucial. Techniques such as Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) have been introduced to allow IDSs analyze the content of network packets, providing more context for identifying potential threats. IDSs traditionally rely on using anomaly-based and signature-based detection techniques to detect unrecognized and suspicious activity. Deep learning techniques have shown great potential in DPI for IDSs due to their efficiency in learning intricate patterns from the packet content being transmitted through the network. In this paper, we propose a revolutionary DPI algorithm based on transformers adapted for the purpose of detecting malicious traffic with a classifier head. Transformers learn the complex content of sequence data and generalize them well to similar scenarios thanks to their self-attention mechanism. Our proposed method uses the raw payload bytes that represent the packet contents and is deployed as man-in-the-middle. The payload bytes are used to detect malicious packets and classify their types. Experimental results on the UNSW-NB15 and CIC-IOT23 datasets demonstrate that our transformer-based model is effective in distinguishing malicious from benign traffic in the test dataset, attaining an average accuracy of 79\% using binary classification and 72\% on the multi-classification experiment, both using solely payload bytes

Brick Kiln Dataset for Pakistan’s IGP Region Using AI

Brick kilns are a major source of air pollution in Pakistan, with many operating without regulation. A key challenge in Pakistan and across the Indo-Gangetic Plain is the limited air quality monitoring and lack of transparent data on pollution sources. To address this, we present a two-fold AI approach that combines low-resolution Sentinel-2 and high-resolution imagery to map brick kiln locations. Our process begins with a low-resolution analysis, followed by a post-processing step to reduce false positives, minimizing the need for extensive high-resolution imagery. This analysis initially identified 20,000 potential brick kilns, with high-resolution validation confirming around 11,000 kilns. The dataset also distinguishes between Fixed Chimney and Zigzag kilns, enabling more accurate pollution estimates for each type. Our approach demonstrates how combining satellite imagery with AI can effectively detect specific polluting sources. This dataset provides regulators with insights into brick kiln pollution, supporting interventions for unregistered kilns and actions during high pollution episodes

Study of lipid profiles high and normal body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome women in Aljouf, Saudi Arabia

Background: For women of reproductive age, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrinological condition. Hyperandrogenism, persistent ovulatory dysfunction, obesity, and insulin resistance have all been associated with PCOS. However, recently PCOS is detected in high-body weight and normal-body-weight women. No information was available to evaluate specific lipid profiles. The goal of this study is to analyze the lipid profiles of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome who have high or normal body weight. Methods: This polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) retrospective study was carried out between January 2021 and January 2022 at Sakaka’s Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH), Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. A total of 68 PCOS women were included in the study; we divided them into high (n=34) and normal body weight (n=34) according to the calculation of BMI. We obtain the test results of lipid profiles and demographic data from hospital record files. Results: We noticed changes but no significance in our research of lipid profiles in high and normal PCOS participants. The CHOL, TG, HDL, and LDL, 159.30±4.193, 97.89±7.140, 60.91±9.564, and 99.47±9.22 shown in the high BMI PCOS women respectively. While, 129.28±3.702, 83.69±4.49, 46.84±1.68 and86.53±4.36 were detected in normal BMI PCOS women respectively. There were none that were statistically significant, with the exception of cholesterol p=0.001. Conclusions: Our results show that POCS women with normal body weight and PCOS women with high BMI have different changes in their lipid profiles, but no significance has been found other than higher cholesterol levels. Therefore, losing weight can stop lipid profiles from altering, which may reduce difficulties in the future

QUALITY OF LIFE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITES ATTENDING JORDANIAN UNIVERSITIES

In spite of increasing number of students with disabilities in universities, there is limited research on quality of life of these students. This study aimed to identify the quality of life level of undergraduate students with disabilities at Jordanian universities. The sample consisted o

Mismatch Repair Proteins and Microsatellite Instability in Colorectal Carcinoma (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2): Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Study

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is detected in about 15% of all colorectal cancers. CRC with MSI has particular characteristics such as improved survival rates and better prognosis. They also have a distinct sensitivity to the action of chemotherapy.AIM: The aim of the study was to detect microsatellite instability in a cohort of colorectal cancer Egyptian patients using the immunohistochemical expression of mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2).MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases were divided into Microsatellite stable (MSS), Microsatellite unstable low (MSI-L) and Microsatellite unstable high (MSI-H). This Microsatellite stability status was correlated with different clinicopathological parameters.RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation between the age of cases, tumor site & grade and the microsatellite stability status. There was no statistically significant correlation between the gender of patients, tumor subtype, stage, mucoid change, necrosis, tumor borders, lymphocytic response, lymphovascular emboli and the microsatellite stability status.CONCLUSION: Testing for MSI should be done for all colorectal cancer patients, especially those younger than 50 years old, right sided and high-grade CRCs

Phytochemical and antioxidant potential of selected plants from Mianwali, Pakistan

Plants have been used since ancient times as an important source of biologically active substances. Specific activities of these plant extracts are generally linked to the presence of secondary metabolites together with their phenolic contents. Present study aimed at investigating the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity of selected plants from five different families. The total phenolic content was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu assay and total flavonoid content by aluminum chloride colorimetric method. The antioxidant capacity was estimated by phosphomolybdinium assay. Our findings indicates that total phenolic content for methanolic extracts ranged from 27.07 to 59.11 mg GAE/g DW, and total flavonoid content ranged from 38.37 to 124.23 mg QE/g DW, with an antioxidant activity ranging from 55.82 to 129.06 mg AAE/g DE. Following trend was shown in the assessment of total phenolic and flavonoid contents: Rhazya stricta>Cicer arietinum>Solanum melongena>Solanum surattense>Solanum nigrum>Withania sominifera>Sisymbrium irio>Withania coagulans>Raphanus sativus>Fagonia indica>Brassica napus. While the antioxidant capacity followed the trend: Cicer arietinum>Solanum nigrum>Withania coagulans>Rhazya stricta>Raphanus sativus>Solanum melongena>Withania sominifera>Solanum surratense>Fagonia indica>Brassica napus>Sisymbrium irio. It is also seen that both wild and cultivated plants have higher medicinal value, which can be linked to the phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential. Findings of the study revealed that wild plants possess higher phenolic content compared to cultivated plants, whereas cultivated plants had higher antioxidant activity

Causes of elective cesarean delivery on maternal request in Aljouf, Saudi Arabia

Background: Recently observed there is a steadily higher rate of cesarean delivery worldwide mostly due to the increasing number of women requesting an elective cesarean section on maternal request without valid indication. The aim of the study was to determine the causes of elective cesarean delivery on maternal requests in Aljouf Saudi Arabia.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study and data was evaluated by completing seven questionnaires and interviews with laboratory reports who were admitted for cesarean delivery at the Obstetrics department of Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH) Aljouf, Saudi Arabia from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 141 Saudi women of age between 18 and over 35 years were enrolled, including those who have singleton pregnancy, no complications during pregnancy, and no medical indication for cesarean delivery.Results: 141 women reported willingness to request cesarean delivery. The mean systolic 120±6.23, diastolic 75±2.45 blood pressure mm of Hg, and fasting blood sugar level 4.1±1.1 mmol/l have been found within the normal limit. The ultrasound (US) confirmed singleton pregnancy without any abnormalities.  Data reveals that common causes of elective cesarean section on maternal request to avoid the episiotomy 77.3%, fear of labor pain 69.5%, trauma to the vagina 79.4%, uncertainty about timing 61.7%, losing a baby during vaginal delivery 54.6%, experience other members 41.8%, the risk for baby 39%, prolapse or incontinence24.1%, unsatisfactory sexual intercourse 17.7% and the undesirable experience of the previous vaginal delivery 12%.Conclusions: Maternal request for cesarean delivery is considered one of the reasons for increasing the rate of cesarean delivery in Saudi Arabia. To avoid the episiotomy and fear of labor pain may strong causes for choosing cesarean delivery