Abstract: Obturator Foramen is a specific structure in Pelvic
bone images and recognition of it is a new concept in medical image
processing. Moreover, segmentation of bone structures such as
Obturator Foramen plays an essential role for clinical research in
orthopedics. In this paper, we present a novel method to analyze the
similarity between the substructures of the imaged region and a hand
drawn template as a preprocessing step for computation of Pelvic
bone rotation on hip radiographs. This method consists of integrated
usage of Marker-controlled Watershed segmentation and Zernike
moment feature descriptor and it is used to detect Obturator Foramen
accurately. Marker-controlled Watershed segmentation is applied to
separate Obturator Foramen from the background effectively. Then,
Zernike moment feature descriptor is used to provide matching
between binary template image and the segmented binary image for
final extraction of Obturator Foramens. Finally, Pelvic bone rotation
rate calculation for each hip radiograph is performed automatically to
select and eliminate hip radiographs for further studies which depend
on Pelvic bone angle measurements. The proposed method is tested
on randomly selected 100 hip radiographs. The experimental results
demonstrated that the proposed method is able to segment Obturator
Foramen with 96% accuracy.
Abstract: Detecting changes in multiple images of the same
scene has recently seen increased interest due to the many
contemporary applications including smart security systems, smart
homes, remote sensing, surveillance, medical diagnosis, weather
forecasting, speed and distance measurement, post-disaster forensics
and much more. These applications differ in the scale, nature, and
speed of change. This paper presents an application of image
processing techniques to implement a real-time change detection
system. Change is identified by comparing the RGB representation of
two consecutive frames captured in real-time. The detection threshold
can be controlled to account for various luminance levels. The
comparison result is passed through a filter before decision making to
reduce false positives, especially at lower luminance conditions. The
system is implemented with a MATLAB Graphical User interface
with several controls to manage its operation and performance.
Abstract: An early diagnosis of bone metastasis is very
important for making a right decision on a subsequent therapy. One
of the most important steps to be taken initially, for developing a new
radiopharmaceutical is the measurement of organ radiation exposure
dose. In this study, the dosimetric studies of a novel agent for
SPECT-imaging of the bone metastasis, 111In-(4-
{[(bis(phosphonomethyl))carbamoyl]methyl}7,10bis(carboxymethyl)
-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododec-1-yl) acetic acid (111In-BPAMD)
complex, have been carried out to estimate the dose in human organs
based on the data derived from mice. The radiolabeled complex was
prepared with high radiochemical purity in the optimal conditions.
Biodistribution studies of the complex was investigated in the male
Syrian mice at the selected times after injection (2, 4, 24 and 48 h).
The human absorbed dose estimation of the complex was made based
on data derived from the mice by the radiation absorbed dose
assessment resource (RADAR) method. 111In-BPAMD complex was prepared with high radiochemical
purity >95% (ITLC) and specific activities of 2.85 TBq/mmol. Total
body effective absorbed dose for 111In-BPAMD was 0.205
mSv/MBq. This value is comparable to the other 111In clinically used
complexes. The results show that the dose with respect to the critical
organs is satisfactory within the acceptable range for diagnostic
nuclear medicine procedures. Generally, 111In-BPAMD has
interesting characteristics and it can be considered as a viable agent
for SPECT-imaging of the bone metastasis in the near future.
Abstract: Cost overruns are a persistent problem in oil and gas
megaprojects. Whilst the extant literature is filled with studies on
incidents and causes of cost overruns, underlying theories to explain
their emergence in oil and gas megaprojects are few. Yet, a way to
contain the syndrome of cost overruns is to understand the bases of
‘how and why’ they occur. Such knowledge will also help to develop
pragmatic techniques for better overall management of oil and gas
megaprojects. The aim of this paper is to explain the development of
cost overruns in hydrocarbon megaprojects through the perspective of
chaos theory. The underlying principles of chaos theory and its
implications for cost overruns are examined and practical
recommendations proposed. In addition, directions for future research
in this fertile area provided.
Abstract: Graphene, a single-atom sheet, has been considered as
the most promising material for making future nanoelectromechanical
systems as well as purely electrical switching with graphene
transistors. Graphene-based devices have advantages in scaled-up
device fabrication due to the recent progress in large area graphene
growth and lithographic patterning of graphene nanostructures. Here
we investigated its mechanical responses of circular graphene
nanoflake under the nanoindentation using classical molecular
dynamics simulations. A correlation between the load and the
indentation depth was constructed. The nanoindented force in this
work was applied to the center point of the circular graphene nanoflake
and then, the resonance frequency could be tuned by a nanoindented
depth. We found the hardening or the softening of the graphene
nanoflake during its nanoindented-deflections, and such properties
were recognized by the shift of the resonance frequency. The
calculated mechanical parameters in the force-vs-deflection plot were
in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical works.
This proposed schematics can detect the pressure via the deflection
change or/and the resonance frequency shift, and also have great
potential for versatile applications in nanoelectromechanical systems.
Abstract: Background: To compare the thinning patterns of the
ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and peripapillary retinal
nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) as measured using Cirrus high-definition
optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT) in patients with visual field
(VF) defects that respect the vertical meridian. Methods: Twenty eyes of eleven patients with VF defects that
respect the vertical meridian were enrolled retrospectively. The
thicknesses of the macular GCIPL and pRNFL were measured using
Cirrus HD-OCT. The 5% and 1% thinning area index (TAI) was
calculated as the proportion of abnormally thin sectors at the 5% and
1% probability level within the area corresponding to the affected VF.
The 5% and 1% TAI were compared between the GCIPL and pRNFL
measurements. Results: The color-coded GCIPL deviation map showed a
characteristic vertical thinning pattern of the GCIPL, which is also
seen in the VF of patients with brain lesions. The 5% and 1% TAI
were significantly higher in the GCIPL measurements than in the
pRNFL measurements (all P < 0.01). Conclusions: Macular GCIPL analysis clearly visualized a
characteristic topographic pattern of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss
in patients with VF defects that respect the vertical meridian, unlike
pRNFL measurements. Macular GCIPL measurements provide more
valuable information than pRNFL measurements for detecting the
loss of RGCs in patients with retrograde degeneration of the optic
nerve fibers.
Abstract: To study the dynamic mechanics response of asphalt
pavement under the temperature load and vehicle loading, asphalt
pavement was regarded as multilayered elastic half-space system, and
theory analysis was conducted by regarding dynamic modulus of
asphalt mixture as the parameter. Firstly, based on the dynamic
modulus test of asphalt mixture, function relationship between the
dynamic modulus of representative asphalt mixture and temperature
was obtained. In addition, the analytical solution for thermal stress in
single layer was derived by using Laplace integral transformation and
Hankel integral transformation respectively by using thermal
equations of equilibrium. The analytical solution of calculation model
of thermal stress in asphalt pavement was derived by transfer matrix
of thermal stress in multilayer elastic system. Finally, the variation of
thermal stress in pavement structure was analyzed. The result shows
that there is obvious difference between the thermal stress based on
dynamic modulus and the solution based on static modulus. So the
dynamic change of parameter in asphalt mixture should be taken into
consideration when theoretical analysis is taken out.
Abstract: Cryosorption pumps are considered safe, quiet, and
ultra-high vacuum production pumps which have their application
from Semiconductor industries to ITER [International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor] units. The principle of physisorption of gases
over highly porous materials like activated charcoal at cryogenic
temperatures (below -1500°C) is involved in determining the
pumping speed of gases like Helium, Hydrogen, Argon, and
Nitrogen. This paper aims at providing detailed overview of
development of Cryosorption pump and characterization of different
activated charcoal materials that optimizes the performance of the
pump. Different grades of charcoal were tested in order to determine
the pumping speed of the pump and were compared with
commercially available Varian cryopanel. The results for bare panel,
bare panel with adhesive, cryopanel with pellets, and cryopanel with
granules were obtained and compared. The comparison showed that
cryopanel adhered with small granules gave better pumping speeds
than large sized pellets.
Abstract: Scheduled waste management is very important in
environmental and health aspects. In delivering services, highway
industry has been indirectly involved in producing scheduled wastes.
This paper aims to define the scheduled waste, to provide a
conceptual framework of the scheduled waste management in
highway industry, to highlight the effect of improper management of
scheduled waste and to encourage future researchers to identify and
share the present practice of scheduled waste management in their
country. The understanding on effective management of scheduled
waste will help the operators of highway industry, the academicians,
future researchers, and encourage a friendly environment around the
world. The study on scheduled waste management in highway
industry is very crucial as highway transverse and run along
kilometers crossing the various type of environment, residential and
schools. Using Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste)
Regulations 2005 as a guide, this conceptual paper highlight several
scheduled wastes produced by highway industry in Malaysia and
provide a conceptual framework of scheduled waste management that
focused on the highway industry. Understanding on scheduled waste
management is vital in order to preserve the environment. Besides
that, the waste substances are hazardous to human being. Many
diseases have been associated with the improper management of
schedule waste such as cancer, throat irritation and respiration
problem.
Abstract: From the start, the importance of having a plan to
sustain tourism was acknowledged. The correct methods to monitor
that type of tourism have been researched. Thus, we propose in this
work to analyze the applicability of a monitoring and assistance
method on the understanding of the tourism sustainability in a small
size destiny or getaway. In this study, the subject is Lagoa da
Confusão, in the state of Tocantins and the analysis was carried out
through the efficiency of the local indicators, according to the WOT
approach. We concluded that the sustainable tourism key points that
were analyzed demonstrated to be important evaluation and
quantification tools for the proposed tasks to be developed in the
mentioned destiny. This is a study of an interdisciplinary character
and the deductive method was chosen as the guiding line.
Abstract: Abstract—[Tris (1,10-phenanthroline) lanthanum(III)]
trithiocyanate is a new compound that has shown high ability for
stopping the synthesis of DNA and also acting as a photosensitizer.
Nowadays, the radiation dose assessment resource (RADAR) method
is known as the most common method for absorbed dose calculation.
177Lu was produced by (n, gamma) reaction in a research reactor.
177Lu-PL3 was prepared in the optimized condition. The
radiochemical yield was checked by ITLC method. The
biodistribution of the complex was investigated by intravenously
injection to wild-type rats via their tail veins. In this study, the
absorbed dose of 177Lu-PL3 to human organs was estimated by
RADAR method. 177Lu was prepared with a specific activity of 2.6-3
GBq.mg-1 and radionuclide purity of 99.98 %. Final preparation of
the radiolabelled complex showed high radiochemical purity of >
99%. The results show that liver and spleen have received the highest
absorbed dose of 1.051 and 0.441 mSv/MBq, respectively. The
absorbed dose values for these two dose-limiting tissues suggest
more biological studies special in tumor-bearing animals.
Abstract: The measurement of organ radiation exposure dose is
one of the most important steps to be taken initially, for developing a
new radiopharmaceutical. In this study, the dosimetric studies of a
novel agent for SPECT-imaging of the bone metastasis, 111In-
1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10 tetraethylene phosphonic
acid (111In-DOTMP) complex, have been carried out to estimate the
dose in human organs based on the data derived from rats. The
radiolabeled complex was prepared with high radiochemical purity in
the optimal conditions. Biodistribution studies of the complex was
investigated in the male Syrian rats at selected times after injection
(2, 4, 24 and 48 h). The human absorbed dose estimation of the
complex was made based on data derived from the rats by the
radiation absorbed dose assessment resource (RADAR) method.
111In-DOTMP complex was prepared with high radiochemical purity
of >99% (ITLC). Total body effective absorbed dose for 111In-
DOTMP was 0.061 mSv/MBq. This value is comparable to the other
111In clinically used complexes. The results show that the dose with
respect to the critical organs is satisfactory within the acceptable
range for diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures. Generally, 111In-
DOTMP has interesting characteristics and can be considered as a
viable agent for SPECT-imaging of the bone metastasis in the near
future.
Abstract: A numerical study is made in a parallel-plate porous
channel subjected to an oscillating flow and an exothermic chemical
reaction on its walls. The flow field in the porous region is modeled
by the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model and the finite volume
method is used to solve the governing equations. The effects of the
modified Frank-Kamenetskii (FKm) and Damköhler (Dm) numbers,
the amplitude of oscillation (A), and the Strouhal number (St) are
examined. The main results show an increase of heat and mass
transfer rates with A and St, and their decrease with FKm and Dm.
Abstract: Parboiled rice was developed to produce rice, which
has a low glycemic index for diabetics. However, diabetics also have
a chromium (Cr) deficiency. Thus, it is important to fortify rice with
Cr to increase the Cr content. Moreover, parboiled rice becomes
rancid easily and has a musty odor, rendering the rice unfavorable.
Natural herbs such as pandan leaves (Pandanus amaryllifolius
Roxb.), bay leaves (Syzygium polyanthum [Wigh] Walp) and
cinnamon bark powder (Cinnamomon cassia) are commonly added to
food as aroma enhancers. Previous research has shown that these
herbs could improve insulin sensitivity. The purpose of this study
was to evaluate the effect of herbal extract coatings on the cooking
quality and the preference level of chromium fortified - parboiled rice
(CFPR). The rice grain variety used for this experiment was Ciherang
and the fortificant was CrCl3. The three herbal extracts used for
coating the CFPR were cinnamon, pandan and bay leaf, with
concentration variations of 3%, 6%, and 9% (w/w) for each of the
extracts. The samples were analyzed for their alkali spreading value,
cooking time, elongation, water uptake ratio, solid loss, colour and
lightness; and their sensory properties were determined by means of
an organoleptic test. The research showed that coating the CFPR with
pandan and cinnamon extracts at a concentration of 3% each
produced a preferred CFPR. When coated with those herbal extracts
the CFPR had the following cooking quality properties: alkali
spreading value 5 (intermediate gelatinization temperature), cooking
time, 26-27 min, color value, 14.95-15.00, lightness, 42.30 – 44.06,
elongation, 1.53 – 1.54, water uptake ratio , 4.05-4.06, and solid loss,
0.09/100 g – 0.13 g/100 g.
Abstract: People, throughout the history, have made estimates
and inferences about the future by using their past experiences.
Developing information technologies and the improvements in the
database management systems make it possible to extract useful
information from knowledge in hand for the strategic decisions.
Therefore, different methods have been developed. Data mining by
association rules learning is one of such methods. Apriori algorithm,
one of the well-known association rules learning algorithms, is not
commonly used in spatio-temporal data sets. However, it is possible
to embed time and space features into the data sets and make Apriori
algorithm a suitable data mining technique for learning spatiotemporal
association rules. Lake Van, the largest lake of Turkey, is a
closed basin. This feature causes the volume of the lake to increase or
decrease as a result of change in water amount it holds. In this study,
evaporation, humidity, lake altitude, amount of rainfall and
temperature parameters recorded in Lake Van region throughout the
years are used by the Apriori algorithm and a spatio-temporal data
mining application is developed to identify overflows and newlyformed
soil regions (underflows) occurring in the coastal parts of
Lake Van. Identifying possible reasons of overflows and underflows
may be used to alert the experts to take precautions and make the
necessary investments.
Abstract: Revenue leakages are one of the major challenges
manufacturers face in production processes, as most of the input
materials that should emanate as products from the lines are lost as
waste. Rather than generating income from material input which is
meant to end-up as products, losses are further incurred as costs in
order to manage waste generated. In addition, due to the lack of a
clear view of the flow of resources on the lines from input to output
stage, acquiring information on the true cost of waste generated have
become a challenge. This has therefore given birth to the
conceptualization and implementation of waste minimization
strategies by several manufacturing industries. This paper reviews the
principles and applications of three environmental management
accounting tools namely Activity-based Costing (ABC), Life-Cycle
Assessment (LCA) and Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) in
the manufacturing industry and their effectiveness in curbing revenue
leakages. The paper unveils the strengths and limitations of each of
the tools; beaming a searchlight on the tool that could allow for
optimal resource utilization, transparency in production process as
well as improved cost efficiency. Findings from this review reveal
that MFCA may offer superior advantages with regards to the
provision of more detailed information (both in physical and
monetary terms) on the flow of material inputs throughout the
production process compared to the other environmental accounting
tools. This paper therefore makes a case for the adoption of MFCA as
a viable technique for the identification and reduction of waste in
production processes, and also for effective decision making by
production managers, financial advisors and other relevant
stakeholders.
Abstract: Spectrum handover is a significant topic in the
cognitive radio networks to assure an efficient data transmission in
the cognitive radio user’s communications. This paper proposes a
comparison between three spectrum handover models: VIKOR, SAW
and MEW. Four evaluation metrics are used. These metrics are,
accumulative average of failed handover, accumulative average of
handover performed, accumulative average of transmission
bandwidth and, accumulative average of the transmission delay. As a difference with related work, the performance of the three
spectrum handover models was validated with captured data of
spectrum occupancy in experiments performed at the GSM frequency
band (824 MHz - 849 MHz). These data represent the actual behavior
of the licensed users for this wireless frequency band. The results of the comparison show that VIKOR Algorithm
provides a 15.8% performance improvement compared to SAW
Algorithm and, it is 12.1% better than the MEW Algorithm.
Abstract: In this numerical study, effects of using Al2O3-water
nanofluid on the rate of heat transfer have been investigated. Physical
model is a square enclosure with insulated top and bottom horizontal
walls, while the vertical walls are kept at different constant
temperatures. Two appropriate models are used to evaluate the
viscosity and thermal conductivity of nanofluid. The governing
stream-vorticity equations are solved using a second order central
finite difference scheme, coupled to the conservation of mass and
energy. The study has been carried out for the nanoparticle diameter
30, 60 and 90 nm and the solid volume fraction 0 to 0.04. Results are
presented by average Nusselt number and normalized Nusselt number
in different range of φ and D for mixed convection dominated
regime. It is found that different heat transfer rate is predicted when
the effect of nanoparticle diameter is taken into account.
Abstract: This study aims to assess the students' needs for the
tour planning e-guide. The study is developing on the contribution
and importance of the Educational Tour Planning Guide (ETP) is a
multimedia course ware as one of the effective methods in teaching
and learning of environmental science among the students in primary
schools of the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. It is to provide the
student with knowledge and experience about tourism, environmental
science activities and process. E-guide to ETP also hopes to
strengthen the student understanding toward the subject learn in the
tourism environmental science. In order to assess the student's needs
on the e-Guide to Educational Tour Planning in Environmental
Science, the study has produced a similar e-Guide to ETP in the form
as a course ware to be tested during the study. The study has involved
several steps in order to be completed. It is such as the formulation of
the problem, the review of the literature, the formulation of the study
methodology, the production of the e-Guide to ETP, field survey and
finally the analyses and discussion made on the data gathered during
the study. The survey has involved 100 respondents among the
students in standard six primary schools in Kluang Johor. Through
the findings, the study indicates that the current tested product is
acceptable among the students in learning environmental science as a
guide to plan for the tour. The findings also show a slight difference
between the respondents who are using the e-Guide to ETP, and those
who are not on the basis of the e-Guide to ETP results. Due the
important for the study, the researcher hopes to be having a fair
discussion and excellence, recommendation for the development of
the product of the current study. This report is written also important
to provide a written reference for the future related study.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to identify the suitability of
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in welding simulator
application towards Computer-Based Training (CBT) in developing
skills upon new students at the Advanced Technology Training
Center (ADTEC) Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia and GIATMARA,
Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. The significance of the study is to create
a computer-based skills development approach in welding technology
among new students in ADTEC and GIATMARA as well as to
cultivate the elements of general skills among them. This study is
also important in elevating the number of individual knowledge
workers (K-workers) working in manufacturing industry in order to
achieve a national vision which is to be an industrial nation in the
year of 2020. The design of the study is a survey type of research
which using questionnaires as the instruments and some 136 students
from ADTEC and GIATMARA were interviewed. Descriptive
analysis is used to identify the frequency and mean values. The
findings of the study show that the welding technology has developed
skills in the students because of the application of VLE simulated at a
high level and the respondents agreed that the skills could be
embedded through the application of the VLE simulator. In summary,
the VLE simulator is suitable in welding skills development training
in terms of exposing new students with the relevant characteristics of
welding skills and at the same time spurring the students’ interest
towards learning more about the skills.