International Journal of Antennas and Propagation, 2019
This paper presents a social spider optimization (SSO) design of a small-size microstrip antenna.... more This paper presents a social spider optimization (SSO) design of a small-size microstrip antenna. Two antenna miniaturization techniques, based on the use of a Koch fractal contour and a shorting post (connecting the patch to the ground plane), are combined to enable a major size reduction. The antenna is inset fed by a microstrip line. The developed SSO algorithm is used to find out the best radius and position of the shorting post and the length of the inset feed, to achieve the desired resonant frequency with good impedance matching. Antenna prototypes have been fabricated and measured. The good agreement obtained between numerical simulation and experimental results has validated the design procedure. Compared with a conventional rectangular patch, the antenna resonance frequency is reduced from 2.45 GHz to 730 MHz, which corresponds to a remarkable miniaturization of about 70%. The proposed antenna is suitable for applications in the 700-800 MHz frequency range, such as 4G mobi...
The cardinal intention of this research was to study the level of speaking-anxiety in the ESL cla... more The cardinal intention of this research was to study the level of speaking-anxiety in the ESL classroom among the intermediate students. Anxiety is some sort of troubled state of mind which hampers the foreign or second language learning process. Those ESL learners who experience the communicative anxiety, fail to speak effectively.Communication apprehension, fear of negative evaluation and general feeling of anxiety would be discussed in this research paper. The tool used for this study was adapted from Horwitz’s (1983) Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). The result showed that the participants experienced a high level of communication apprehension and fear of negative evaluation. The authors have also given some fruitful suggestions in order to lower the level of anxiety among ESL learners
Proceedings. 12th International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks (IEEE Cat. No.03EX712), 2003
It is critical to discover and utilized shared services and resources in wireless ad hoc networks... more It is critical to discover and utilized shared services and resources in wireless ad hoc networks. While wireline networks can use the Domain Name System (DNS) to perform such key-value lookups, designing scalable key-value lookup protocols with high success rates and low message overhead in the dynamic topologies of wireless ad hoc networks presents a non-trivial challenge. In this paper, we present KELOP, a Key-Value Lookup Protocol for wireless ad hoc networks. KELOP is a fully distributed best-effort protocol that relies only on the local information stored at each node to locate the closest estimates of the target. This strategy results in remarkably low control-message overhead. Simulation results show that, in addition to low message overhead, KELOP is able to provide lookup success rate close to 100% in most cases.
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable cause of intellectual disability. In vitro ... more Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable cause of intellectual disability. In vitro electrophysiologic data from mouse models of FXS suggest that loss of fragile X mental retardation protein affects intracortical excitability and synaptic plasticity. Specifically, the cortex appears hyperexcitable, and use-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic strength are abnormal. Though animal models provide important information, FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders are human diseases and as such translational research to evaluate cortical excitability and plasticity must be applied in the human. Transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigms have recently been developed to non-invasively investigate cortical excitability using paired pulse stimulation, as well as LTP- and LTD-like synaptic plasticity in response to theta burst stimulation (TBS) in vivo in the human. TBS applied on consecutive days can be used to measure metaplasticity ...
This review intends to synthesize our understanding of the effects of novel approach of non-invas... more This review intends to synthesize our understanding of the effects of novel approach of non-invasive peripheral nerve and brain stimulation techniques in motor rehabilitation and the potential role of these techniques in clinical practice. The ability to induce cortical plasticity with non-invasive stimulation techniques has provided novel and exciting opportunities for examining the role of the human cortex during a variety of behaviors literature concerning non-invasive stimulation technique incorporated into stroke research is young, limiting the ability to draw consistent conclusions. In this review we discuss how these techniques can enhance the effects of a behavioral intervention and the clinical evidence for its use to date.
The main purpose of this study is to predict the impact of cultural values and life styles on imp... more The main purpose of this study is to predict the impact of cultural values and life styles on impulse buying behavior of Pakistani customers. Survey methodology was used to collect the data by adopting convenient sampling technique. An empirical method was used to analyze the data. The T-test indicates that gender role is the only one variable of cultural values and life style of Pakistani customers where significant difference exists between male and female customers while making impulse buying behavior. Correlation test is used to analyze the relationship among the variables of cultural values and life style; the results suggest that there exist significant relation among all the variables of cultural values and life styles. The results also suggest that impulse buying behavior is predicted by security, life satisfaction, gender role, financial satisfaction, in group contact and life style variables of cultural values and lifestyles of Pakistani consumers.
Purpose: Even after a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms may be long lasting and never re... more Purpose: Even after a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms may be long lasting and never resolve completely. The neurophysiologic substrate for such lasting deficits remains unclear. There is a lack of objective measures of early brain abnormalities following mild TBI, which could shed light on the genesis of these lasting impairments. Methods: Here we report findings in a previously healthy man tested 2 and 6 weeks after a welldocumented concussion. Findings were compared with 12 control subjects. All subjects underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI). Testing included neuropsychological evaluation and physiological assessment with TMS and EEG, excitatory/ inhibitory balance and brain plasticity. Results: While the MRI, DTI and neuropsychological evaluations showed no abnormalities, neurophysiologic tests revealed subclinical abnormalities in our patient: (1) Significantly higher intracortical facilitation than the control group at both time points; (2) Intracortical inhibition presumably mediated by GABA B receptors was absent at week 2, but returned to normal value at week 6; (3) Abnormal mechanisms of plasticity at week 2, that normalize at week 6. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a transient alteration of brain cortical physiology following concussion independent of anatomical findings and neuropsychological function. This case study suggests that TMS measures may serve as sensitive biomarkers of physiologic brain abnormalities after concussion.
2013 IEEE 9th International Conference on Emerging Technologies (ICET), 2013
This paper describes self conceived design of new dual band wearable PIFA operating at Wifi bands... more This paper describes self conceived design of new dual band wearable PIFA operating at Wifi bands (2.40 & 5.80GHz). Different radiating elements used in this indigenous design, outcomes dual mode resonance. The considered design approach has quasi omni-directional pattern that leads to significant back radiations resulting high value of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), usually not desirable in wearable application. To overcome this issue, the antenna is integrated with dual band high impedance surface (HIS). This modular integration results in reduction of back radiations by 4-15dB at operating frequencies. Sequel to reduction in back radiations, SAR has also been reduced at the operating frequencies, while evaluating its design response for on-body environment. In addition to these improvements, antenna gain has been increased by 8-9dBi along with improvement in return loss by 23-27dB at the operating frequencies. CST Microwave Studio has been used for the design and simulations.
The 8th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2014), 2014
This article presents design of a new dual band textile antenna for WiFi application. Normally av... more This article presents design of a new dual band textile antenna for WiFi application. Normally available felt fabric is utilized for the design. Operating frequencies of the antenna are 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. Designed antenna is tested in free space and in the proximity of human body model. Because of coupling with human body, the antenna performance degrades, therefore dual band high impedance surface (HIS) has been employed for minimizing these degradations. The HIS array is composed of only 9 (3x3) elements and reduces the radiations toward body and hence minimizes specific absorption rate (SAR) by 94-97 % at the operating frequencies. The integrated design is able to show improvements in return loss, gain and directivity while maintaining good impedance match with adequate bandwidth at the operating frequencies. CST Microwave Studio has been used for all the simulations and designs. .
Background. A study was designed to see the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in pal... more Background. A study was designed to see the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in palpable breast lumps. Materials and Methods. Four hundred and twenty five (425) patients came to the Department of Pathology King Edward Medical University, Lahore in four years for FNAC of their palpable breast masses from June 2006 to June 2010. FNAC diagnosis was compared with histological diagnosis to see the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology for neoplastic lesions. Results. There were 271/425 benign, 120/425 malignant, and 32/425 suspicious smears. Inadequate samples were repeated twice or thrice, and the degree of success was improved with consecutive repeating approaches. The frequency of inadequacy declined from 86 to 18, and 2 for first, second and third attempts, respectively. The number of repeats increased the diagnostic accuracy of aspirates which is statistically significant (). Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most commonly reported lesion with maximum incidence i...
The purpose of this study was to investigate: 1) the feasibilty of administering a modified CILT ... more The purpose of this study was to investigate: 1) the feasibilty of administering a modified CILT (mCILT) treatment session immediately after TMS; and 2) if this combined therapy could improve naming and elicited propositional speech in chronic, nonfluent aphasia. Two chronic stroke patients with nonfluent aphasia (mild-moderate and severe) each received twenty minutes of rTMS to suppress the right pars triangularis, followed immediately by three hours of mCILT (5 days/week, 2 weeks). (Each patient had received TMS alone, 2-6 years prior.) Language evaluations were performed pre- TMS+mCILT, and post- at 1-2 months, and 6 or 16 months. Both patients showed significant improvements in naming pictures, and elicited propositional speech at 1-2 months post- TMS+mCILT. The improved naming was still present at 6 months post- TMS+mCILT for P2; but not at 16 months post- TMS+mCILT for P1. It is feasible to administer mCILT for three hours immediately after a TMS session. It is unknown if the ...
Despite intensive efforts to improve outcomes after acquired brain injury, functional recovery is... more Despite intensive efforts to improve outcomes after acquired brain injury, functional recovery is often limited. One reason for this limitation is the challenge in assessing and guiding plasticity after brain injury. In this context, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive tool of brain stimulation, could play a major role. TMS has been shown to be a reliable tool for measuring plastic changes in the motor cortex associated with interventions in the motor system, such as motor training and motor cortex stimulation. In addition, as illustrated by the experience in promoting recovery from stroke, TMS is a promising therapeutic tool to minimize motor, speech, cognitive, and mood deficits. In this review, we will focus on stroke to discuss how TMS can provide insights into the mechanisms of neurologic recovery and how it can be used for measurement and modulation of plasticity after an acquired brain insult.
ABSTRACT Over the past three decades significant efforts have been made towards the conservation ... more ABSTRACT Over the past three decades significant efforts have been made towards the conservation of fossil-based fuels and the exploration and exploitation of new renewable sources. The focus primarily has been on the outlook for alternatives to the petroleum ...
In order to investigate the relevance of the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC) for precise sen... more In order to investigate the relevance of the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC) for precise sensorimotor timing we applied 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over left PPC, right PPC and visual cortex of healthy participants for ten minutes, respectively. The impact on sensorimotor timing of the right hand was assessed using a synchronization task that required subjects to synchronize their right index finger taps with respect to constant auditory, visual or auditory-visual pacing. Our results reveal reduced negative tap-to-pacer asynchronies following rTMS of the left PPC in all pacing conditions. This effect lasted for about 5 minutes after cessation of rTMS. Right PPC and visual cortex stimulation did not yield any significant behavioural effects. Since suppression of left PPC modified right-hand synchronization accuracy independent of the pacing signal's modality, the present data support the significance of left PPC for anticipatory motor control over a primary role in multisensory integration. The present data suggest that 1 Hz rTMS might interrupt a matching process of anticipated and real sensorimotor feedback within PPC. Alternatively, downregulation of left PPC activity may affect M1 excitability via functional connections leading to a delay in motor output and, thus, smaller tap-topacer asynchronies.
International Journal of Antennas and Propagation, 2019
This paper presents a social spider optimization (SSO) design of a small-size microstrip antenna.... more This paper presents a social spider optimization (SSO) design of a small-size microstrip antenna. Two antenna miniaturization techniques, based on the use of a Koch fractal contour and a shorting post (connecting the patch to the ground plane), are combined to enable a major size reduction. The antenna is inset fed by a microstrip line. The developed SSO algorithm is used to find out the best radius and position of the shorting post and the length of the inset feed, to achieve the desired resonant frequency with good impedance matching. Antenna prototypes have been fabricated and measured. The good agreement obtained between numerical simulation and experimental results has validated the design procedure. Compared with a conventional rectangular patch, the antenna resonance frequency is reduced from 2.45 GHz to 730 MHz, which corresponds to a remarkable miniaturization of about 70%. The proposed antenna is suitable for applications in the 700-800 MHz frequency range, such as 4G mobi...
The cardinal intention of this research was to study the level of speaking-anxiety in the ESL cla... more The cardinal intention of this research was to study the level of speaking-anxiety in the ESL classroom among the intermediate students. Anxiety is some sort of troubled state of mind which hampers the foreign or second language learning process. Those ESL learners who experience the communicative anxiety, fail to speak effectively.Communication apprehension, fear of negative evaluation and general feeling of anxiety would be discussed in this research paper. The tool used for this study was adapted from Horwitz’s (1983) Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). The result showed that the participants experienced a high level of communication apprehension and fear of negative evaluation. The authors have also given some fruitful suggestions in order to lower the level of anxiety among ESL learners
Proceedings. 12th International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks (IEEE Cat. No.03EX712), 2003
It is critical to discover and utilized shared services and resources in wireless ad hoc networks... more It is critical to discover and utilized shared services and resources in wireless ad hoc networks. While wireline networks can use the Domain Name System (DNS) to perform such key-value lookups, designing scalable key-value lookup protocols with high success rates and low message overhead in the dynamic topologies of wireless ad hoc networks presents a non-trivial challenge. In this paper, we present KELOP, a Key-Value Lookup Protocol for wireless ad hoc networks. KELOP is a fully distributed best-effort protocol that relies only on the local information stored at each node to locate the closest estimates of the target. This strategy results in remarkably low control-message overhead. Simulation results show that, in addition to low message overhead, KELOP is able to provide lookup success rate close to 100% in most cases.
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable cause of intellectual disability. In vitro ... more Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable cause of intellectual disability. In vitro electrophysiologic data from mouse models of FXS suggest that loss of fragile X mental retardation protein affects intracortical excitability and synaptic plasticity. Specifically, the cortex appears hyperexcitable, and use-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic strength are abnormal. Though animal models provide important information, FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders are human diseases and as such translational research to evaluate cortical excitability and plasticity must be applied in the human. Transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigms have recently been developed to non-invasively investigate cortical excitability using paired pulse stimulation, as well as LTP- and LTD-like synaptic plasticity in response to theta burst stimulation (TBS) in vivo in the human. TBS applied on consecutive days can be used to measure metaplasticity ...
This review intends to synthesize our understanding of the effects of novel approach of non-invas... more This review intends to synthesize our understanding of the effects of novel approach of non-invasive peripheral nerve and brain stimulation techniques in motor rehabilitation and the potential role of these techniques in clinical practice. The ability to induce cortical plasticity with non-invasive stimulation techniques has provided novel and exciting opportunities for examining the role of the human cortex during a variety of behaviors literature concerning non-invasive stimulation technique incorporated into stroke research is young, limiting the ability to draw consistent conclusions. In this review we discuss how these techniques can enhance the effects of a behavioral intervention and the clinical evidence for its use to date.
The main purpose of this study is to predict the impact of cultural values and life styles on imp... more The main purpose of this study is to predict the impact of cultural values and life styles on impulse buying behavior of Pakistani customers. Survey methodology was used to collect the data by adopting convenient sampling technique. An empirical method was used to analyze the data. The T-test indicates that gender role is the only one variable of cultural values and life style of Pakistani customers where significant difference exists between male and female customers while making impulse buying behavior. Correlation test is used to analyze the relationship among the variables of cultural values and life style; the results suggest that there exist significant relation among all the variables of cultural values and life styles. The results also suggest that impulse buying behavior is predicted by security, life satisfaction, gender role, financial satisfaction, in group contact and life style variables of cultural values and lifestyles of Pakistani consumers.
Purpose: Even after a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms may be long lasting and never re... more Purpose: Even after a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms may be long lasting and never resolve completely. The neurophysiologic substrate for such lasting deficits remains unclear. There is a lack of objective measures of early brain abnormalities following mild TBI, which could shed light on the genesis of these lasting impairments. Methods: Here we report findings in a previously healthy man tested 2 and 6 weeks after a welldocumented concussion. Findings were compared with 12 control subjects. All subjects underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI). Testing included neuropsychological evaluation and physiological assessment with TMS and EEG, excitatory/ inhibitory balance and brain plasticity. Results: While the MRI, DTI and neuropsychological evaluations showed no abnormalities, neurophysiologic tests revealed subclinical abnormalities in our patient: (1) Significantly higher intracortical facilitation than the control group at both time points; (2) Intracortical inhibition presumably mediated by GABA B receptors was absent at week 2, but returned to normal value at week 6; (3) Abnormal mechanisms of plasticity at week 2, that normalize at week 6. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a transient alteration of brain cortical physiology following concussion independent of anatomical findings and neuropsychological function. This case study suggests that TMS measures may serve as sensitive biomarkers of physiologic brain abnormalities after concussion.
2013 IEEE 9th International Conference on Emerging Technologies (ICET), 2013
This paper describes self conceived design of new dual band wearable PIFA operating at Wifi bands... more This paper describes self conceived design of new dual band wearable PIFA operating at Wifi bands (2.40 & 5.80GHz). Different radiating elements used in this indigenous design, outcomes dual mode resonance. The considered design approach has quasi omni-directional pattern that leads to significant back radiations resulting high value of Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), usually not desirable in wearable application. To overcome this issue, the antenna is integrated with dual band high impedance surface (HIS). This modular integration results in reduction of back radiations by 4-15dB at operating frequencies. Sequel to reduction in back radiations, SAR has also been reduced at the operating frequencies, while evaluating its design response for on-body environment. In addition to these improvements, antenna gain has been increased by 8-9dBi along with improvement in return loss by 23-27dB at the operating frequencies. CST Microwave Studio has been used for the design and simulations.
The 8th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation (EuCAP 2014), 2014
This article presents design of a new dual band textile antenna for WiFi application. Normally av... more This article presents design of a new dual band textile antenna for WiFi application. Normally available felt fabric is utilized for the design. Operating frequencies of the antenna are 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. Designed antenna is tested in free space and in the proximity of human body model. Because of coupling with human body, the antenna performance degrades, therefore dual band high impedance surface (HIS) has been employed for minimizing these degradations. The HIS array is composed of only 9 (3x3) elements and reduces the radiations toward body and hence minimizes specific absorption rate (SAR) by 94-97 % at the operating frequencies. The integrated design is able to show improvements in return loss, gain and directivity while maintaining good impedance match with adequate bandwidth at the operating frequencies. CST Microwave Studio has been used for all the simulations and designs. .
Background. A study was designed to see the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in pal... more Background. A study was designed to see the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in palpable breast lumps. Materials and Methods. Four hundred and twenty five (425) patients came to the Department of Pathology King Edward Medical University, Lahore in four years for FNAC of their palpable breast masses from June 2006 to June 2010. FNAC diagnosis was compared with histological diagnosis to see the accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology for neoplastic lesions. Results. There were 271/425 benign, 120/425 malignant, and 32/425 suspicious smears. Inadequate samples were repeated twice or thrice, and the degree of success was improved with consecutive repeating approaches. The frequency of inadequacy declined from 86 to 18, and 2 for first, second and third attempts, respectively. The number of repeats increased the diagnostic accuracy of aspirates which is statistically significant (). Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most commonly reported lesion with maximum incidence i...
The purpose of this study was to investigate: 1) the feasibilty of administering a modified CILT ... more The purpose of this study was to investigate: 1) the feasibilty of administering a modified CILT (mCILT) treatment session immediately after TMS; and 2) if this combined therapy could improve naming and elicited propositional speech in chronic, nonfluent aphasia. Two chronic stroke patients with nonfluent aphasia (mild-moderate and severe) each received twenty minutes of rTMS to suppress the right pars triangularis, followed immediately by three hours of mCILT (5 days/week, 2 weeks). (Each patient had received TMS alone, 2-6 years prior.) Language evaluations were performed pre- TMS+mCILT, and post- at 1-2 months, and 6 or 16 months. Both patients showed significant improvements in naming pictures, and elicited propositional speech at 1-2 months post- TMS+mCILT. The improved naming was still present at 6 months post- TMS+mCILT for P2; but not at 16 months post- TMS+mCILT for P1. It is feasible to administer mCILT for three hours immediately after a TMS session. It is unknown if the ...
Despite intensive efforts to improve outcomes after acquired brain injury, functional recovery is... more Despite intensive efforts to improve outcomes after acquired brain injury, functional recovery is often limited. One reason for this limitation is the challenge in assessing and guiding plasticity after brain injury. In this context, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive tool of brain stimulation, could play a major role. TMS has been shown to be a reliable tool for measuring plastic changes in the motor cortex associated with interventions in the motor system, such as motor training and motor cortex stimulation. In addition, as illustrated by the experience in promoting recovery from stroke, TMS is a promising therapeutic tool to minimize motor, speech, cognitive, and mood deficits. In this review, we will focus on stroke to discuss how TMS can provide insights into the mechanisms of neurologic recovery and how it can be used for measurement and modulation of plasticity after an acquired brain insult.
ABSTRACT Over the past three decades significant efforts have been made towards the conservation ... more ABSTRACT Over the past three decades significant efforts have been made towards the conservation of fossil-based fuels and the exploration and exploitation of new renewable sources. The focus primarily has been on the outlook for alternatives to the petroleum ...
In order to investigate the relevance of the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC) for precise sen... more In order to investigate the relevance of the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC) for precise sensorimotor timing we applied 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over left PPC, right PPC and visual cortex of healthy participants for ten minutes, respectively. The impact on sensorimotor timing of the right hand was assessed using a synchronization task that required subjects to synchronize their right index finger taps with respect to constant auditory, visual or auditory-visual pacing. Our results reveal reduced negative tap-to-pacer asynchronies following rTMS of the left PPC in all pacing conditions. This effect lasted for about 5 minutes after cessation of rTMS. Right PPC and visual cortex stimulation did not yield any significant behavioural effects. Since suppression of left PPC modified right-hand synchronization accuracy independent of the pacing signal's modality, the present data support the significance of left PPC for anticipatory motor control over a primary role in multisensory integration. The present data suggest that 1 Hz rTMS might interrupt a matching process of anticipated and real sensorimotor feedback within PPC. Alternatively, downregulation of left PPC activity may affect M1 excitability via functional connections leading to a delay in motor output and, thus, smaller tap-topacer asynchronies.
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