Showing papers by "Muhammad Irfan published in 2013"

Fully-elastic multi-granular network with space/frequency/time switching using multi-core fibres and programmable optical nodes

Abstract: We present the first elastic, space division multiplexing, and multi-granular network based on two 7-core MCF links and four programmable optical nodes able to switch traffic utilising the space, frequency and time dimensions with over 6000-fold bandwidth granularity. Results show good end-to-end performance on all channels with power penalties between 0.75 dB and 3.7 dB.

Production, purification and characterization of novel beta glucosidase from newly isolated Penicillium simplicissimum H-11 in submerged fermentation

Abstract: β-Glucosidase is an important component of the cellulase complex. It not only hydrolyzes cellobiose and short-chain cellooligosaccharides to glucose, but also removes the inhibitory effect of cellobiose on the β-1, 4-endoglucanase and exoglucanase, thereby increasing the overall rate of cellulose biodegradation. β-glucosidasefrom culture supernatant of a fungus Penicillium simplicissimum was purified to homogeneity, by using ammonium sulfate fraction, Sephadex G-100 chromatography, and its properties were studied. The molecular mass of the enzyme was about 126.0 kDa, as identified by 12% SDS-PAGE. The optimum pH and temperature were 4.4 ~ 5.2 and 60 °C, respectively. The enzyme was stable in pH 5.2 ~ 6.4 and under 40 °C. Metal profile of the enzyme showed that Mn(2+) enhances its activity, while Cu(2+), Co(2+)and Fe(3+) cause obvious inhibition. The K m and V max was 14.881 mg/ml and 0.364 mg ml/min against salicin as a Substrate. This enzyme had secondary protein structure as evidenced by FTIR spectrum.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Brucellosis as a Professional Hazard in Pakistan

Abstract: The present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and identify risk factors associated with brucellosis in humans at high risk in the Potohar plateau of northeastern Pakistan. A total of 262 serum samples were collected from persons of different occupational groups: veterinary personnel, milkers, abattoir workers, livestock farmers, and others (drivers, security guards, housewives). Data related to gender, age, occupation, contact with animals, brucellosis-related symptoms, consumption of raw milk, and geographical region were collected. The Rose Bengal plate test and the serum agglutination test were performed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis. The overall seroprevalence was found to be 6.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.1, 10.6). Real-time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that all cases were affected by Brucella abortus. Individuals who consumed raw milk had higher odds of brucellosis seropositivity. This is the first report of human brucellosis related to B. abortus in high-risk professionals from Pakistan by the combined use of serological and molecular methods.

Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and spectral accelerations for United Arab Emirates

Abstract: In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced an unprecedented growth which is coupled with the increase in seismic activity in the surroundings. Previous studies presents significant variations in their results whereas some recent studies although very detailed focus on only few cities. This study reviews the results of previous studies and presents new findings for the whole of UAE based on the improved source model and use of next generation attenuation (NGA) equations. The peak ground accelerations, spectral accelerations and deaggregation of hazard for major cities are presented. Moreover, the breakdown of the range of mapped spectral accelerations (S 0.2 and S 1) is proposed to form the basis for the development of site amplification factors in subsequent studies. The results of this study indicate almost similar values of ground motion compared to some recently published studies and smaller values compared to some earlier studies.

The Impact of Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty Programs on Customer`s Loyalty: An Evidence from Telecommunication Sector

Abstract: All well reputed organizations know that the key to success lies in their customers. Hence in today’s world, the companies who do not provide value to their customers bring an opportunity for the competitors to jump in and steal these customers. Same rule applies in Telecommunication sector hence this research focuses on finding the impact of service quality, customer satisfaction and loyalty programs on customer’s loyalty in Telecommunication sector of Pakistan. All Telecom service provider companies ; U fone, Warid, Telenor, Zong, Mobilink and PTCL are taken in this research and purpose is to investigate the impact of service quality, customer satisfaction and loyalty programs on customer loyalty of these telecom service providers companies. A structured questionnaire was designed and survey was conducted to collect the data from 150 customers from different occupations in areas of Jhang and Okara districts of Punjab having different mobile phone connections of companies operating in Pakistan. A comparative analysis of companies is also made that shows that companies should focus on improving the quality of their services for better and greater customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

Production of Avermectin B1b From Streptomyces avermitilis 41445 by Batch Submerged Fermentation

Abstract: Background: Avermectin B1b, a component of commercially available abamectin is obtained as fermentation product of Streptomyces avermitilis and has frequently been used as anthelmintic and insecticidal agent. Secondary metabolite production, avermectin B1b in present study, is dependent on medium composition therefore a proper medium should be designed for the fermentation process in order to have the best production. Objectives: The main objective of this study was the selection and optimization of medium for maximum production of avermectin B1b from S. avermitilis 41445. Materials and Methods: Eight different growth media were used for the production of avermectin B1b. Results: However the maximum production of avermectin B1b (17 mg/L) was obtained by using SM2 growth medium containing soluble corn starch, yeast extract, KCl, CaCO3 and MgSO4 which was detected qualitatively by using TLC and quantitatively by HPLC. Conclusions: Maximum production was observed with initial medium pH of 7, 10% inoculum size with incubation temperature of 31°C for 10 days of fermentation period.

An intelligent diagnostic system for the condition monitoring of AC motors

Abstract: The implication of failure to diagnose the faults of AC motors at the inception stage would lead to unscheduled machine down-time that can upset datelines and causes financial losses. Classical methods which involve thermal switches, overload relays, timers, magnetic contactors and programmable integrated circuits were adopted in early days. But these methods did not guarantee full protection of motor. This paper introduces new approach to condition monitoring of motors through intelligent diagnostic system based on stator current analysis and programmable logic controllers. The proposed method is validated by experiments performed on five different defect levels. Experiment results show that this technique is more accurate, cost effective, safe and provides continuous real time tracking of faults and estimates the severity through visual indication.

An Intelligent Diagnostic Condition Monitoring System for AC Motors via Instantaneous Power Analysis

Abstract: A novel intelligent diagnostic condition monitoring system for electric motors via instantaneous power analysis is proposed Although several types of condition monitoring and fault diagnosis techniques are available, however they have limitations in terms of the hardware costs and installation of the sensors for data acquisition The proposed sensor-less condition monitoring system will allow real-time continuous tracking of various defects and will determine the severity of the defects to provide automatic decision making To illustrate the viability of the approach, experiments were carried out on two different defect levels of the motor bearings It is anticipated that the proposed motor protection system will be quicker, more efficient and more user friendly than the existing methods

Development of an intelligent condition monitoring system for AC induction motors using PLC

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of several condition monitoring (CM) techniques for the alternating current (AC) motor in a precise manner and this will be useful when selecting proper condition monitoring technique for specific application. Condition monitoring is a process of monitoring operating parameters of machine to reveal the trend of monitored characteristics to predict machine health. Protection of motors has become challenging task in industries. Different condition monitoring techniques are summarized with the specific advantages and disadvantages. Mathematical analysis of stator current is the latest and non-invasive and economical method for the condition monitoring of AC motors. A novel intelligent diagnostic CM system has been proposed. The proposed system will provide continuous real time tracking of different faults and estimates severity of faults for automatic decision making.

Secure Cryptography Testbed Implementation for SCADA Protocols Security

Abstract: Modbus protocol and IEC 60870-5-104 protocols are widely deployed in critical infrastructure sectors or SCADA systems With the growing demands of industries, these protocols are also connected over internet using TCP/IP protocol or other transport protocols Using internet facility, these protocols are vulnerable from several threads/attacks The current research, detail review the lack of security issues within SCADA/Protocols communication and then propose two security solutions that are based on cryptography algorithms (solutions) The two proposed cryptography solutions have been implemented within the communication of Modbus protocol and IEC 60870-5-104 protocol as part of SCADA system Abnormal traffic has been generated during transmission to evaluate the security solutions (Implementations) Testbed has been run several times and performance results are measured during normal and abnormal communication

Conceptual Model of Real Time Infrastructure Within Cloud Computing Environment

Abstract: Cloud computing is a new and most demandable technology in communication environment. Where computing resources such as hardware or/and software are processed as service over networks. SCADA implementation within cloud environment is relatively new and demandable over real time infrastructure (industrial infrastructure).The shifting (moving) of SCADA system (applications and resources) within cloud based infrastructure,meanfully overcome the cost and improve the reliability and performance of whole system. Cloud computing provides on-demand network access and batch of computing services for SCADA system. The current research paper takes two conceptual ideas to implement SCADA system within cloud computing (Hybrid Cloud) environment. In the first phase, SCADA applications are processed entirely inside the hybrid cloud. In the second phase, SCADA applications are running in separate application server directly connected to devices in a SCADA network and rest of paper discusses the security related to SCADA and cloud computing communication.

Purification and Characterization of beta 1,4-Glucanases from Penicillium simplicissimum H-11

Abstract: In this study, β-1, 4-endoglucanase from Penicillium simplicissimum H-11 was purified to homogeneity using ammonium sulfate followed by Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The purity of the enzyme was confirmed by HPLC and 12% SDS-PAGE, indicating a single peak with a molecular mass of 33.2 kDa. This protein had mostly α-helix structures, as confirmed by FTIR spectrometry. The optimum pH and temperature were 3.2 and 60 °C with pH stability of 2.8~5.6 and temperature stability of 50 °C for 12 h and 4 h, respectively. A metal profile of the enzyme showed that Mg2+ and Sn2+ were strong activators, while Cu2+ was a strong inhibitor. An interesting feature of this enzyme is that it can effectively hydrolyze microcrystalline cellulose, filter paper, and CMC-Na, thus revealing both endo- and exo-glucanase features of the enzyme. The kinetic constants Km and Vmax were 14.881 mg/mL and 0.364 mg/mL/min, respectively, against CMC-Na as a substrate.

Purification and kinetics study of thermostable cellulase free Xylanase from Bacillus subtilis

Abstract: Present study dealt with the production, purification and characterization of xylanase from Bacillus subtilis- BS05 grown in submerged fermentation at 37 o C for 48h using sugarcane bagasse as a substrate. Xylanase enzyme was purified to homogeneity by ammonium sulphate fractionation followed by sephadex G-100 chromatography. The molecular mass of xylanase enzyme was found to be 23kDa by SDS-PAGE. The optimum pH and temperature of xylanase enzyme was 5 and 50 o C with stability range of 5-6 and 30 o C -50 o C respectively. The enzyme had half life of 1386-1155 minutes at 30 o C -50 o C respectively. Metal profile of the enzyme showed that Mn 2+ (127.4 %) and Fe 2+ (115%) were the activators while Hg 2+ (14%) and EDTA (19%) were the inhibitors. Kinetic parameters revealed that the enzyme is specific to birchwood xylan with K m , K cat , V max and K cat /K m value of 1.15 mg/ml, 850 s -1 , 117.64 U/mg and 739.13 s -1 mg -1 .mL respectively.

A Performance Approach: SCADA System Implementation within Cloud Computing Environment

Abstract: The distributed control systems (ICSs) implementation within cloud computing environment is a new approach, in information technology arena. Few researches have been taken placed, to deploy the SCADA system within cloud computing environment but failed to provides security during communication. SCADA systems as part of "Distributed control systems (ICS)", implementations within real sectors (real automation sectors) are cost effective, while deploying in cloud computing environment, the cost has significantly minimized. Mean that cloud computing platform is best approach for SCADA system, in terms of performance and cost. The current research paper reviews, the SCADA and cloud computing architectures and deployed the entire SCADA system within cloud computing environment, and measured the performance results during packets (bytes) transmission. In first phase, packets (bytes) have been transmitted with different date rates and CPU and memory consumption are measured with the baud rate as 9600. In second phase, abnormal traffic has been generated within cloud environment (SCADA within cloud environment) and the packets (within abnormal communication) have been captured using Snort tool (Wireshark with Pcap tool is also used for analysis and packet capturing).

On-demand spectrum and space defragmentation in an elastic SDM/FDM/TDM network with mixed multi- and single-core fiber links

Abstract: We show on-demand multi-wavelength spectrum and space defragmentation in an SDM and elastic network with four programmable nodes and two multi-core fiber links. The combined approach is shown to reduce blocking and hardware requirements in small nodes.

AC motor fault diagnosis at incipient stage using programmable logic controller

Abstract: Alternating Current (AC) motors are extensively used in the industries and it is essential to protect these motors from unexpected breakdowns and to detect faults at incipient level so that planned maintenance could be done. In the last three decades various fault diagnosis techniques has been developed but these techniques are considered intrusive as they require accessability to motor for data collection. Also the electromechanical devices, sensors and integrated circuits used in these techniques are expensive and not reliable. Special attention is given to non-invasive techniques to detect defects without accessing the machines. This paper attempts to provide a new approach for condition monitoring of AC motors through intelligent fault diagnosis based on programmable logic controllers. The stator current analysis which is non-invasive and economical method is used with LabVIEW signal processing tools. The current signal is analyzed via Fast Fourier Power spectrum to detect the bearing faults at incipient stages. The technique is validated at three different speeds.

UGT1A1 gene mutations in Pakistani children suffering from inherited nonhemolytic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemias.

Abstract: Two inherited unconjugated hyperbilirubinemias, Crigler-Najjar syndrome and Gilbert syndrome, arise due to deficiency of UGT1A1 enzyme activity. Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1 (CN1) lies at the extreme severe end of the spectrum of UGT1A1 activity characterized by complete absence, followed by the less severe Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 (CN2). Gilbert syndrome is the mild form having only partial loss of UGT1A1 activity. The present study aimed to identify molecular genetic defects underlying unconjugated hyperbilirubinemias in children from six consanguineous Pakistani families. The patients were clinically diagnosed by exclusion of other unconjugated hyperbilirubinemias. Differential diagnosis of CN1 and CN2 was made on the basis of patient's response to phenobarbitone. The promoter region, coding exons, and adjacent splice sites of the UGT1A1 gene were PCR amplified from genomic DNA of all patients and their families, and were sequenced. DNA sequence analysis identified five different homozygous mutations: two novel missense mutations p.Y230C (proband A) and p.D36N (proband B), a 4-bp insertion c.622-625dupCAGC/p.Q208QfsX50 (probands C and E), a nonsense mutation p.R341X (proband D), and a TA insertion A(TA)7TAA in the promoter region (proband F). The present study extends the spectrum of UGT1A1 gene mutations and may be helpful in the diagnosis of Crigler-Najjar syndrome and Gilbert syndrome.

Molecular diagnostics of foodborne pathogens

Abstract: All over the world Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) are frequently cause of GIT illnesses in human originating in food of animals mainly from poultry.The aim of this study was to render rapid diagnostics of Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) from raw meat and milk. During a 4 month period from May to August a total of 300 samples were collected from beef (100), chicken (100) and milk (100) and analyzed for Shiga toxin producing E. coli. Of the total of 300 samples of raw meat and milk only chicken (2%), beef (1%) and milk (1%) were detected as PCR positive.Raw meat and milk could be a source of Shiga toxin producing E. coli which indicates that possible risks of infections to people could be transferred by the consumption of raw meat and milk and their rapid diagnostics could be made possible by the use of rapid diagnostic technique polymerase chain reaction.

Genetic analysis of carbon metabolism-related traits in maize using mixed major and polygene models.

Abstract: Carbon metabolism is the foundation for crop growth, which has direct impact on the formation and transforming crop photosynthetic products, and also its yield and quality. In this study, the inheritance of the carbon metabolism-related traits including net-photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll contents, Phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase activity and Sucrose Phosphate Synthase activity was analyzed by the joint segregation analysis of multiple generations P1, P2, F1, and F2:3 from the cross Shen3336xShen3265 using the mixed major genes and polygenes inheritance models. Seeds of these generations were grown in three replications of randomized complete block design from year 2010-2012 and the data obtained was statistically analyzed for the selection of best fitting genetic model. The results showed that net-photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll contents, and SPS activity were all controlled by two major genes. The model E-1 and B-1 was best fit for net-photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll contents and SPS activity, respectively. The heritability for net-photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll contents, and SPS activity were 41%, 56.2% and 75.7% respectively. Major genes and polygenes were jointly controlled the net-photosynthesis rate. Both chlorophyll content and SPS activity was mainly controlled by two major genes. PEPC activity was controlled by polygenes with best-fitting model C-0 showing heritability of 46.3%. The present results were very meaningful to understand the inheritance characteristics of carbon metabolism in maize, and to guide the practical breeding.

Proses Berpikir Siswa Dalam Pemecahan Masalah Sistem Persamaan Linier Dua Variabel Ditinjau Dari Math Anxiety Dan Gender

Abstract: Penelitian Ini Bertujuan Untuk Mendeskripsikan: (1) Proses Berpikir Peserta Didik Smp Laki-Laki Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Tinggi Dalam Memecahkan Masalah Matematika Sesuai Langkah-Langkah Polya, (2) Proses Berpikir Peserta Didik Smp Perempuan Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Tinggi Dalam Memecahkan Masalah Matematika Sesuai Langkah-Langkah Polya, (3) Proses Berpikir Peserta Didik Smp Laki-Laki Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Rendah Dalam Memecahkan Masalah Matematika Sesuai Langkah-Langkah Polya, (4) Proses Berpikir Peserta Didik Smp Perempuan Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Rendah Dalam Memecahkan Masalah Matematika Sesuai Langkah-Langkah Polya. Jenis Penelitian Ini Adalah Penelitian Kualitatif Dengan Metode Studi Kasus. Pengambilan Sampel Dilakukan Dengan Gabungan Antara Teknik Purposive Sampling Dan Snowball Sampling. Subjek Yang Digunakan Dalam Penelitian Ini Sebanyak Empat Subjek Penelitian, Yaitu: Siswa Laki-Laki Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Tinggi, Siswa Perempuan Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Tinggi, Siswa Laki-Laki Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Rendah, Dan Siswa Perempuan Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Rendah. Instrumen Yang Digunakan Untuk Mengumpulkan Data Adalah Penggolongan Tingkat Kecemasan Belajar Matematika, Lembar Tugas Memecahkan Masalah Matematika, Dan Pedoman Wawancara. Uji Validasi Data Yang Digunakan Adalah Uji Triangulasi Waktu. Hasil Penelitian Menunjukkan: (1) Pada Saat Memahami Masalah, Merencanakan Pemecahan Masalah, Menjalankan Rencana Pemecahan Masalah, Dan Memeriksa Kembali Jawaban, Siswa Laki-Laki Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Tinggi Menggunakan Proses Berpikir Reflektif, (2) Pada Saat Memahami Masalah, Merencanakan Pemecahan Masalah, Menjalankan Rencana Pemecahan Masalah, Dan Memeriksa Kembali Jawaban, Siswa Perempuan Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Tinggi Menggunakan Proses Berpikir Reflektif, (3) Pada Saat Memahami Masalah Dan Memeriksa Kembali Jawaban, Siswa Laki-Laki Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Rendah Menggunakan Proses Berpikir Reflektif, Sedangkan Pada Saat Merencanakan Pemecahan Masalah Dan Menjalankan Rencana Pemecahan Masalah, Subjek Melakukan Proses Berpikir Reflektif Dan Kreatif, Dan (4) Pada Saat Memahami Masalah Dan Memeriksa Kembali Jawaban, Siswa Perempuan Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Rendah Menggunakan Proses Berpikir Reflektif, Sedangkan Pada Saat Merencanakan Pemecahan Masalah Dan Menjalankan Rencana Pemecahan Masalah, Subjek Melakukan Proses Berpikir Reflektif Dan Kreatif. Perbedaan Proses Berpikir Keempat Subjek Tersebut Pada Saat Merencanakan Dan Menjalankan Rencana Pemecahan Masalah. Siswa Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Tinggi (Laki-Laki Dan Perempuan) Hanya Dapat Menggunakan Satu Metode Penyelesaian, Sedangkan Siswa Yang Memiliki Math Anxiety Rendah (Laki-Laki Dan Perempuan) Dapat Menggunakan Beberapa Metode Penyelesaian

Detection of Bt gene and seed purity in maize

Abstract: Sunulan bu çalışmada, mısırda Bt geninin ve tohum saflığının PCR temelli yöntemle tayini sunulmuştur. Elli dört farklı mısır türü, 1950 bazçifti ve 301 bazçifti boyutuna sahip BT1 ve 35S primerleri kullanılarak Bt geninin tayini gerçekleştirilmiştir. Örnekler arasındaki onbeş örnek Bt geni içermektedir. Bt geni içermesi daha sonraki üreme işlemlerinde kullanılamayacağı anlamına gelmektedir. Doksanaltı mısır tohumu, bnIg 161 SSR primeri ile saflık kontrolu için kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlar, bu tohumların % 5 safsızlık ile % 95 saflıkta olduğunu göstermiştir. Ayrıca, bu sonuçlar PCR temelli işaretçilerin kültür tanımlanmasında çok faydalı olduğunu ve mısır yetiştirme programlarında iyileştirmeye olanak sağlayacağını göstermektedir.