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Background : Fracture resistance is a mechanical property that describes the resistance of brittle materials to the catastrophic propagation of flaws under an applied load. Therefore any material that can compensate for this weakening effect could be useful. Thus to reinforce the instrumented teeth against fracture; sealers are used in conjugation with a core filling material. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty extracted caries-free and visually assessed fracture-free, human single rooted mandibular premolar teeth were selected for the study. The prepared teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups and two control group of 20 teeth each. One control group of 20 teeth where access opened and left unistrumented and unobturated.Group- I: Teeth obturated with gutta percha and epoxy resin based sealer;Group- II: Teeth obturated with polymer based core and methacrylate based Sealer;Group- III: Teeth obturated with gutta percha and calcium silicate based sealer. ;Group IV: Teeth obturated with gutta percha and zinc oxide eugenol based sealer.;Group V: Teeth instrumented and obturated with gutta percha without use of sealer (Positive control).;Group VI – Teeth with no instrumentation or obturation (Negative control).

Aims and objective: Viral Hepatitis is a major global health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. The endemicity of hepatitis B virus infection believed high in Yemen. Data for prevalence of hepatitis B virus in Jiblah town in Yemen are rare and inadequate. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus and associated risk factors aming the general population of Jiblah town, Yemen. Methods: A total of 100 participated included in this study. Serum samples were collected and assayed for HBsAg using the ELISA quantitative technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect behavioral and sociodemographic data. Results: the results revealed that, the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus was 3.33%. There was statistically significant differences between hepatitis B virus infection and monthly income. Conclusion: The finding of this study indicated that the magnitude of hepatitis B virus infection among the general population was intermediate level. Modifiable risk factor, monthly income was identified. Peer Review History: Received: 19 February 2023; Revised: 8 March; Accepted: 26 April 2023, Available online: 15 May 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Rola Jadallah, Arab American University, Palestine, rola@aauj.edu Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. Wadhah Hassan Ali Edrees, Hajja University, Yemen, edress2020@gmail.com

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess whether various formulations of chlorhexidine mouth rinses had an effect on force characteristics of the elastomeric chains. Methods: The sample consisted commercially available elastomeric chain of 3M Unitek with five commercially used chlorhexidine mouth rinses of different formulations. The e chain were stretched on artificial saliva .30 sec everyday exposure to different chlorhexidine formulation was tested by digital dynamometer and was statisticaly evaluated using ANOVA test. Conclusion: mouthwashes does not accelerate force degradation of elastomeric chains which could clinically affect their effectiveness. However, the results could be variable in the presence of other biological factors in the oral environment and their interactions between oral microorganisms with the host.

The aim of the research is to develop models and modules for teaching English as a second language to weak learners. A qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through classroom observations and focus-group interview with a group of students. Fifteen ESL learners, one ESL teacher and principal participated in the study. The learners are Form Three students in a private Islamic school in Malaysia. The students were given a total of five compositions to write. They wrote one composition each time the researchers visited them. The students were observed as they wrote. The problems they had were noted by the researchers. The observations made revealed the learners’ weaknesses at writing compositions in English. A focus-group interview was made after each observation to probe further into their problems of learning English. An informal conversation was also conducted with the English Language teacher during each visit. While conducting the research it was discovered that the students who were interviewed became more and more interested in participating in the project. They became willing partners and they contributed valuable information in spite of their linguistic inadequacies. The regular visits seem to have endeared us to the principal, teacher and the students that they look forward to our visit. This paper describes the procedures taken to effectuate networking with the principal, teacher and the students. It analyses and discusses the factors that have contributed to this effective networking.

Introduction Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is associated with complex ventricular arrythmia (VA) and sudden cardiac death but risk stratification remains unclear. Exercise induces an hyperadrenergic state and could trigger VA, however, data on exercise-induced VA (EIVA) in MVP patients are scarce. Objective To describe EIVA prevalence, origin, characteristics and associated features in MVP patients. Methods In this observational prospective study, 64 MVP asymptomatic patients (58±14 years, 41 men) with mild to severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and without left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, underwent echocardiography and symptom-limited exercise testing. Continuous 12-lead ECG monitoring was performed throughout testing. Severe EIVA was defined as ventricular triplets, sustained or non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) or ventricular fibrillation. Results All patients exercised at maximal intensity until exhaustion. EIVA was observed in 54 (84%) subjects including 12 (19%) patients with severe EIVA (7 triplets, 5 NSVT). Severe EIVA originated mainly from the mitral apparatus (all but one) and occurred at high exercise intensity (median 90% of predicted workload) or during early recovery phase. Compared to the rest of the cohort the patients with severe EIVA had similar resting ECG characteristics, similar LV dimension and function, similar degree of MR and mitral apparatus morphology. Finally, severe EIVA was not associated with an alteration of exercise tolerance. Conclusion Exercise frequently unmasks ventricular arrythmia in patients with MVP. EIVA appears not linked to MVP features nor to exercise tolerance and seems to provide additional phenotyping information that could be linked to prognosis. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The carrageenans with high molecular weight, crude and dialysed polysaccharide fractions obtained from Hypnea musciformis red algae of Karachi coast in Pakistan. The elemental composition was determined by using SEM-EDX technique which is one of the modern, reliable and accurate techniques. After analyzing multiple mineral elements were detected in different quantities. The numbers of elements found in crude extracts were greater than that in the dialysed extracts. All extracts contained the higher concentrations of C followed by O (except dialysed acidic extract). Among other elements, Cl and K were present in the highest amounts (25.0%) in dialysed acidic extracts. However, Al was detected in low concentrations in only crude aqueous and acidic extracts. The mineral concentrations ranges were 30.34-52.46%, 17.00-43.46%, 0.63-4.05%, 0.49-3.35%, 0-0.33%, 0.74-17.92%, 0.59-25.31%, 0.58-25.46%, 1.10-6.72%, 0-2.60% for C, O, Na, Mg, Al, S, Cl, K, Ca and Zn in these crude and dialyzed extracts respectively. The study confirmed the presence of major elements such that Na, Mg, Ca, K and Zn in high quantities. However, there was no toxic element identified like Cd, Hg and Pb which show that these carrageenans are safer to utilize in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Compressive sensing is an approach to reduce the acquired signal dimension with a sampling rate lower than the Nyquist rate. This is achieved by incorporating suitable quantization techniques, such as scalar quantization, to compensate for the low sampling rate. However, quantization of small compressive sensing measurements does not perform well in terms of rate-distortion. This paper presents an adaptive variant of differential pulse code modulation coupled with scalar quantization for quantizing and de-quantizing the compressive sensing measurements of videos. The proposed adaptive approach along with scalar quantization allows reduction of the necessary bandwidth and provides a higher prediction gain than the conventional differential pulse code modulation. The performance of the proposed approach is validated by integrating with various compressive sensing reconstruction schemes and compared with the conventional video codec approach. The reconstructed video frames' visual quality using the proposed approach was also tested based on SSIM metric. The experimental result shows that the proposed scheme provides substantial gain over uniform scalar quantization, and scalar quantization with differential pulse code modulation at various compressive sensing measurements bitrates for different video sequences. When compared with conventional video compression schemes (containing side information at the encoder), the proposed Quantized CS approach shows notable improvements in reconstruction quality when compared with conventional video codecs at lower bitrates. In sum, the proposed methodology could contribute to benefit various battery powered application of visual sensor network in terms of low data processing, less power consumption and minimum memory utilization etc.

In Malaysia, English as a second language (ESL) students vary widely in terms of language proficiency. Their performance in writing shows a great disparity. The good students are able to write excellently while the weak ones struggle to write. The aim of this study was to validate the scaffolding models and modules for teaching the writing skills particularly to weak learners of English. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach. It was employed throughout the whole study except for ascertaining the students' performance in tests given to them for which a quantitative approach was used. The techniques for collecting data were document analysis, classroom observation, interviews and tests. Data from the lessons observed were triangulated with those obtained from the teachers' lesson plans. The findings have shown positive and favourable effects of scaffolding on the teaching and learning of writing among weak ESL learners. The effectiveness of the model was seen in the strategies used by the teachers. The teachers were competent in teaching English language lessons as they had more than five years of teaching English to weak students.

Propranolol hydrochloride is a beta-blocker used for the management and treatment of hypertension, angina, coronary artery disease, heart failure, fibrillation, tremors, migraine etc. The objective of the present study was to design Propranolol Hydrochloride floating tablets by direct compression method and to explore the role of a new gum as a matrix former. A 22 full factorial design was selected for the present study. Prunus domestica gum and HPMC (K4M) were used as independent variables, swelling index and drug dissolution at 12 hours as dependent variables. Formulations were subjected to pre- and post-compression tests that showed good micromeritics and buoyancy characteristics (Carr’s index 11.76%–14.00%, Hausner’s ratio 1.13°–1.16°, angle of repose 22.67°–25.21°, floating lag time 56–76 seconds, total floating time 18–25 hours and swelling index 59.87%–139.66%). The cumulative drug release in 0.1 N HCl at 12 hours was 72%–90% (p2>0.99) among all other studied models. Multiple regression showed a significant effect of Prunus domestica gum and HPMC K4M on the swelling index and dissolution profiles of propranolol HCl (pin-vitro performance and cost-effectiveness, formulation F4 was the best formulation. It is evident from the results that Prunus domestica gum possesses excellent drug release retardant potential for the floating drug delivery system and this new gum should be further explored alone or with other natural and synthetic polymers in future studies.

This report presents a low-power smoke detector and monitoring system using star topology for IoT applications. The drawback of the conventional smoke detector systems are commonly expensive and cover a short distance. Thus, the proposed design aims to develop a cost-effective system, compact design, expandable, simple installation, and broader coverage area. In the proposed system, smoke detectors are connected to a centralized system using ESP8266-01 and NodeMcu WiFi modules. The low-powered smoke detector nodes sense smoke and activate their wireless module by sending high signals to the central system and logged into the cloud database using the Thingspeak website. The nodes are battery-operated and wirelessly connected. The system used a low power mode to minimize the power consumption at the nodes. The system had successfully worked in low power mode and communicate with the central unit. It also successfully worked with an online database for monitoring.

Background The combined left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and cryoenergy pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure has been proven safe and effective in managing stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), although most data refer to procedures performed using radiofrequency as the main energy source. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term follow-up of patients with AF undergoing concomitant LAAC and cryoenergy PVI. Methods Patients undergoing LAAC and cryoballoon PVI at our institution were enrolled. At 3, 6, and 24 months from the index procedure, we determined the atrial arrhythmia recurrence rate, the extent of LAAC, and the rate of cerebrovascular/bleeding events. Results Forty-nine patients (mean age 69 ± 8 years; 32/49 (67%) men; CHA2DS2-VASc score 2.8 ± 1.2; HAS-BLED score 3 ± 1) with a guideline-recommended LAAC indication were included. Acute PVI and complete LAAC were achieved in 100% of patients. All patients completed at least 24 months of follow-up. At 8 weeks and 6 months, complete or satisfactory ( Conclusion Concomitant cryoballoon ablation and LAAC procedures appear safe and effective at long-term follow-up, with high antithrombotic drug withdrawal rates at 24 months.

Background The survival outcome of transplant patients have improved in the past three decades. The short and long term survival of graft and patients are still being widely studied. Many factors affect the survival rate such as age, gender, diabetes mellitus, and immunosuppressive therapy. Objective The study aim to provide patients’ survival rates 1, 3, and 5 years after transplant. Methods The study used descriptive approach on 67 kidney transplant patients undergoing outpatient treatment from 1996 to 2016. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS with the Kaplan-Meier curve to observe the survival rate. Result The survival rate of patients in 1, 3, and 5 years were 100%, 97%, and 94% respectively. The survival rate in geriatric and non-geriatric patients in the first year post-transplantation was both 100%, the third year post-transplantation survival rate were 100% and 94.7%, and the five year post-transplantation survival rate were 100% and 89.5%. The 1, 3, and 5 year survival rate for male and female patients were both 100%, 96.3% vs 100%, and 92.6% vs 100% respectively. Compared to their non-diabetic counterparts, diabetic patients’ survival rate in 1, 3, and 5 years were both 100%, 96.5% vs 100%, and 93% vs 100% respectively. The survival rate of patients receiving tacrolimus vs cyclosporine were both 100% in the first year, 97.1% vs 97% in the third year, and 97.1% vs 90.9% in the fifth year after transplant. Conclusion The survival rate of kidney transplant patients in 1, 3, and 5 year after transplant were 100%, 97%, and 94%. Factors linked to higher survival rate were geriatric patients, female gender, diabetes, and the use of cyclosporine in the immunosuppressant therapy regimen. Keyword: kidney transplantation, survival

Background Brain damage and cardiovascular disease are extra-pulmonary manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cardiovascular risk factors and smoking are contributors to neurodegeneration. This study investigates whether there is a specific, COPD-related deterioration in brain structure and function independent of cardiovascular risk factors and smoking. Materials and methods Neuroimaging and clinical markers of brain structure (micro- and macro-) and function (cognitive function and mood) were compared between 27 stable COPD patients (age: 63.0±9.1 years, 59.3% male, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]: 58.1±18.0% pred.) and 23 non-COPD controls with >10 pack years smoking (age: 66.6±7.5 years, 52.2% male, FEV1: 100.6±19.1% pred.). Clinical relationships and group interactions with brain structure were also tested. All statistical analyses included correction for cardiovascular risk factors, smoking, and aortic stiffness. Results COPD patients had significantly worse cognitive function (p=0.011), lower mood (p=0.046), and greater gray matter atrophy (p=0.020). In COPD patients, lower mood was associated with markers of white matter (WM) microstructural damage (p

Introduction: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as a diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) complications, is getting more prevalent nowadays. Inflammation is one of the renal injury mechanisms evaluated through the surge in in TNF-α and NF-κβ expression. Impaired expression of gluten transporter 1 (GLUT1) and GLUT2 reduces glucose uptake. DBLS3233 is a novel anti-diabetes agent and Indonesian herbal product responsible for glucose control and upregulation of insulin signal transduction. We performed an experiment on DLBS3233 to examine the response of TNF-α and NF-κβ and the expression of GLUT 1 and GLUT2. Methods: A total of 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=5 per group): nondiabetic rats in the control group (group 1); untreated diabetic rats (group 2); diabetic rats treated with DLBS3233 4,5mg/kgBW (group 3); 9mg/kgBW (group 4); 18mg/kgBW (group 5), and diabetic rats treated with pioglitazone (group 6). Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT2 in the pancreas and expression of TNF-α and NF-κβ in the kidney. The data was then analyzed by ANOVA. Results: In the DBLS3233 group, reduced expression of both TNF-α and NF-κβ was seen through immunohistochemistry, whereas GLUT1 and GLUT2 were intensified compared to untreated groups. From statistical analysis, we obtained significantly lower expression of TNF-α and NF-κβ, as well as enhanced GLUT1 and GLUT2 expression compared to untreated groups (p Conclusions: DBLS3233 significantly reduces the inflammatory process and enhances the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT2 diabetic rats.

In this research, an advancement of an open source administrative control and information obtaining Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) framework is presented. The framework utilizes the universally useful programming platform, Python. The SCADA framework offers correspondence capacities through an open source OPC-UA worker, which comprehends information trade with control gadgets, for example, PLC, PAC, and so on. The framework additionally gives adaptation to non-critical failure highlights because of the execution of a functioning shortcoming open minded control (AFTC) engineering. The proposed approach plays out a three-layer connection of the CIM model, and offers comparable capacities of business SCADA frameworks.

IL-6 is a proinflammatory cytokine that is commonly obtained in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and has a role in insulin resistance. This study aimed to determine the correlation between IL-6 and insulin resistance in non-diabetic predialysis CKD patients. Methods: The cross sectional observational analytic study involved 35 subjects as CKD patients with non-diabetic predialysis who were diagnosed based on KDOQI criteria. Examination of serum IL-6 levels was carried out using the ELISA method, and insulin resistance was calculated using the HOMA-IR formula. Results: Thirty-five non-diabetic predialysis CKD patients were enrolled in this study, consisting of 25 (71.4%) males and 10 (28.6%) females. The mean age was 52.5 years (range of 31-60 years). Subjects with stage 3 CKD was 11 patients (31.4%), stage 4 was 6 patients (17.14%), and stage 5 was 18 patients (51.43%). HOMA-IR level was 1.61±1.13 with a median of 1.15 (0.32-4.59). Levels of IL-6 had a mean of 9.03 ± 7.01 and a median of 8.13 (1.01-24.82). There was a significant positive correlation between IL-6 levels and insulin resistance (p = 0.031, r = 0.366) Conclusion: Serum IL-6 levels had a significant positive correlation with insulin resistance in CKD patients with non-diabetic predialysis.

The objective of this paper is to synthesise through the reviews of various innovative teaching methods and how they have influenced the practice of entrepreneurship education. The various methods identified are case studies, business plan creation, problem-solving, simulation and games, team based or group discussions, guest speaker, seminars, individual and group projects, role play and lectures with latter being teacher centred while all the former are student centred. It was however, established that no one method can be used solely on its own, hence, the need for collective adoption under a given circumstance. Practically, all trainers, instructors and educators in the entrepreneurship field need to focus both on the design and implementation of entrepreneurship teaching and course programs based on the various aspects in terms of the teaching model(s) being adopted from the perspectives of providing answers to the questions of the why (purposes of the learning), what (contents), how (methods and pedagogies), for whom (audiences, participants), and for which outcomes (assessment).There are no enough models to conceptually drive the curriculum design and teaching methods of entrepreneurship education.

Monotheca buxifolia has traditionally been employed in folk medicines to cure of infectious diseases. Current study was aimed to standardize the M. buxifolia leaves extract and evaluate its antibacterial and anticancer activity. Phytochemical analysis was carried through GC, GC/MS, FTIR, and ICP-OES analytical techniques. Antibacterial assay of the crude extract was performed by using tetrazolium micro plates. The extract treated bacteria were observed under (AFM) atomic force microscope and PCR was used for DNA amplification. The anti-proliferative activity of M. buxifolia leaves extract was examined through MTT cytotoxicity assay. The bacterial strains employed in this study were S. epidermidis ATCC (13518), S. aureus ATCC (25923), P. aeruginosa ATCC (10145), and E. coli ATCC (10536). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) against gram positive bacteria was significantly (p0.01) achieved at 50 and 75μg/mL. MIC50 against E. coli and P. aeruginosa was also significant at 100μg/mL (p0.01). M. buxifolia leaves extract damaged the cell walls gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, while biofilm around gram positive bacteria was significantly damaged. The DNA decantation was also inhibited of S. aureus and S. epidermidis, however, no any impact was observed on E. coli and P. aeruginosa DNA decantation. The cytotoxicity findings suggested that the crude extract of M. buxifolia leaves at 1000μg/mL gives significant inhibition 73.96±2.0%, 83.76±1.2%, 77.66±1.2% and 72.67±1.6% against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HeLa and H460 cell lines respectively at (p0.001). It may be concluded that M. buxifolia leaves extract have significant and promising antibacterial and anti-cancer activities which could be helpful to establish new antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

For future generations, comprehensive pragmatic restoration is very important for preserving and maintaining the nation’s history and heritage monuments. It requires archival documents, rigorous investigation and correct diagnosing of deteriorations before commencing on any restoration interventions. Three case studies from Sudan World Heritage Sites have been selected in order to throw light on pervious restoration problems and the methods employed. Fieldtrips and observations were carried out in addition to interviews with the National Corporation Antiquities and Museum (NCAM) staff and international directors. This article focuses on identifying the methodology needed to alleviate the problems while given more attention in protecting the authenticity aspects of the monuments. The article also seeks to highlight the need for greater awareness of the long-term maintenance of heritage monuments and sites. The study revealed that better awareness and continuous maintenance and capacity building among the local conservationists and leaders could significantly raise the effort to implement authentic restoration and sustaining conservation practice.

Aim. This study sought to compare short- and long-term outcomes of drug-eluting stents (DESs) versus bare-metal stents (BMSs) implantation in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis (ESRD-HD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods. Adult patients with ESRD-HD who underwent PCI at all nonfederal hospitals in Massachusetts between July 1, 2003, and September 30, 2007, were stratified based on the stent type placed at index hospitalization: DES or BMS. The primary outcome compared was a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure (CHF), target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke at 30 days and one year. Results. HD patients had a high mortality (31%) and were more likely to receive a DES than a BMS (77% versus 23%). Propensity score analysis of 2 : 1 matched DES (268) versus BMS (134) patients demonstrated the DES group to more likely have proximal LAD disease and a history of prior PCI. Conditional logistic regression analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the composite cardiovascular endpoint measured at 30 days (hazard ratio (HR) 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–1.94) and one year (HR 1.03; 95% CI 0.68–1.57). Conclusions. There were no significant differences in 30-day or 1-year major cardiovascular outcomes in HD patients undergoing PCI using the DES compared to the BMS in this high-mortality patient cohort.

A series of sulfonated esters of piroxicam 1–19 were synthesized by substitution of “H” from hydroxyl “OH” group of piroxicam with different alkyl/aryl sulfonyl chloride by continuous stirring at room temperature. The derivatives were elucidated through various spectroscopic procedures like 1H NMR, MS, IR, UV and elemental analysis. Piroxicam derivatives were screened for antiglycation activity, in order to analyze the effect of substitution for the management of late diabetic complications. The preliminary results showed that the compounds 2 exhibited potent antiglycation activity far better than the reference (rutin IC50 = 274.5 ± 0.05 µM), while the compounds 5 and 8 were near with IC50 values of 178.9 ± 1.55 µM, 237 ± 2.01 µM, and 256.5 ± 2.56 µM respectively. Moreover a negative effect of electron withdrawing groups was observed over the inhibition potential of different analogues depending upon the number and the positions of the substituents.

Despite consistent monitoring by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the fabrication of fake halal logos and certificates by irresponsible parties continues to challenge the integrity and authenticity of halal products. Malaysia’s Halal Certification Procedures (Second Revision, 2012) state that companies operating in Malaysia need to develop their Halal Assurance System (HAS) to strengthen the management of halal-related matters within organizations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of perceived benefits and traceability practices on readiness for Halal Assurance System (HAS) implementation. The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey, and simple random sampling was employed. At the end of the data collection period, a total of 139 responses from halal-certified small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were obtained. Structural equation modeling with Amos graphics was used to perform a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a causal path analysis. Results indicate that perceived market/competition benefits and perceived operational benefits are positively related to traceability systems implementation and readiness for HAS. It was found that traceability systems are fully needed to bridge the connection between perceived benefits and readiness for HAS. This paper has important implications for resource-based theory, literature on HAS and traceability, SMEs, and halal authorities and certifying bodies. Limitations and directions for future studies are provided.

This paper outlines the design and implementation of SCADA based digital mixer using the Siemens PLC S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DC/RLY as the system controller with provision of the algorithm and the equipment needed. This work will give wireless controlling and monitoring [1] of volume, flow rate of liquid tanks and mixer impeller’s frequency in real time. The volume of input liquid given by the user is in litres and the system ensures the flow of same volume as per process requirement. For this purpose a plant is designed consists of a mixing tank and two supply tanks along with flow sensors. The process is controlled by ladder logic diagram and a wireless node i.e. SCADA PC designed on TIA Portal.

Background Brain damage and cardiovascular disease are extra-pulmonary manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cardiovascular risk factors and smoking are contributors to neurodegeneration. This study investigates whether there is a specific, COPD-related deterioration in brain structure and function independent of cardiovascular risk factors and smoking. Materials and methods Neuroimaging and clinical markers of brain structure (micro- and macro-) and function (cognitive function and mood) were compared between 27 stable COPD patients (age: 63.0±9.1 years, 59.3% male, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]: 58.1±18.0% pred.) and 23 non-COPD controls with >10 pack years smoking (age: 66.6±7.5 years, 52.2% male, FEV1: 100.6±19.1% pred.). Clinical relationships and group interactions with brain structure were also tested. All statistical analyses included correction for cardiovascular risk factors, smoking, and aortic stiffness. Results COPD patients had significantly worse cognitive function (p=0.011), lower mood (p=0.046), and greater gray matter atrophy (p=0.020). In COPD patients, lower mood was associated with markers of white matter (WM) microstructural damage (p

The main objective of this research is to identify Bangladesh Railway employee's commitment based on compensation and benefits. A structured questionnaire was used to survey the opinions of 40 employees who are from Bangladesh Railway, Rajshahi City. The researchers conducted various statistical analyses such as descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis to analyze the survey responses and identified a number of key findings. The study reveals that there are various common factors related to the compensations and benefits that affect employee's commitment.

Background : Urinary tract tuberculosis (TB) is one type of extrapulmonary TB. The prevalence in developed countries is around 15-20% of all cases of extrapulmonary TB. 1 The insidious onset and non-specific constitutional symptoms of urinary tuberculosis often lead to delayed diagnosis and rapid progression to a non-functioning kidney. 2-3 The only way to limit renal function loss and destruction is by early diagnosis and therapy. 4 Case: 34-year-old woman, came with complaints of urinary pain accompanied by right flank pain 10 months prior. Patient also had complaint of weight loss but ignoring complaints of night sweats. Patient repeatedly diagnosed as a urinary tract infection and received many kinds of antibiotic therapy but her complaints were not getting better. Urine production was about 1700 cc/24 hours. From general physical examination, there was a lack of nutritional status with BMI 17.1 kg/m2. Vesicular lung sound without rhonchi heard in both lung fields. From the urinalysis examination there were pyuria and haematuria without bacteriuri. Laboratory examination showed value of BUN was 17 mg/dl and creatinine 0.9 mg/dl. From aerob urine culture we found sterile urine. But we found positive result of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) urine cultures which was sensitive to isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Abdominal ultrasound showed severe ecstasis of right pelviocalyceal system without stones,mass, nor cyst. We had additional data from intravenous pyelogram (IVP) which showed a non-visualized dextra pelviocalyceal system and delayed bladder emptying function at 120 th minutes. From computed tomography stonographic, we found severe right hydronephrosis, proximal to distal right hydroureter, and thickening of bladder wall (± 1.61 cm) on the right antero-lateral side. To find out the cause of thickening of bladder wall, we did bladder biopsy which showed the mononuclear inflammatory cell stroma. Patients were diagnosed with urinary tract TB and received category 1 of oral anti tuberculosis therapy (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamid, and Ethambutol) for 12 months and underwent right DJ stent implantation to manage the ectasys. Conclusion : Urinary tract TB often showed unspecified complaints and can be suggested as recurrent urinary tract infections. Early diagnosis and optimal management were needed to prevent anatomical and functional complications.

Background: COPD, cardiovascular disease and structural brain disease commonly coexist, but the relative contributions of COPD and cardiovascular disease to structural brain disease is unclear. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association between two different COPD phenotypes and structural brain disease. Methods: COPD patients were recruited from two populations. Group 1 were recruited from people attending for elective coronary angiography who had no exacerbations in the preceding year. Group 2 were recruited from people attending the respiratory outpatient department who had had at least 1 exacerbation in the preceding year. Participants underwent measurement of Framingham score (10-year risk of cardiovascular event), spirometry, arterial stiffness, skin capillary density, cardiac biomarkers, systemic inflammatory markers and structural brain MRI. Results: Group 1 had mild/moderate COPD with significantly higher cardiovascular risk whereas group 2 had moderate/severe COPD with lower cardiovascular risk (FEV1 % predicted 78±19 v 54±24 p Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk, rather than respiratory health, appears more strongly associated with white matter brain disease in these two groups of patients with COPD.

Background The radial artery is the access of choice in many catheterization labs around the world due to its proven benefits over the femoral artery access. There has been growing interest in the left radial artery. We sought to evaluate the feasibility, safety and complication rates of the left distal radial artery (ldTRA) access for cardiac catheterization. Methods This is a single arm retrospective study evaluating the feasibility and safety of performing cardiac catheterization through ldTRA. The procedure was completed using standard diagnostic and guiding catheters. Hemostasis was achieved with a radial band. Feasibility was the ability to cannulate the distal left radial artery as well as completing the procedure without requiring an additional arterial access. The safety point included hematoma, bleeding or neuropathy. Results ldTRA was attempted in 61 patients. 59 patients had successful completion of the procedure through ldTRA. Conversion occurred in 1 patient (1.7%), requiring an additional arterial access to complete the procedure. 34 patients (55.7%) required percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There was no access site bleeds post procedure, no hematomas, with 100% successful hemostasis with a radial hemostatic band. There were 2 cases requiring reaccess of the distal left radial artery access for repeat revascularization, with procedure success and good left radial artery patency. Conclusion ldTRA is a safe and feasible arterial access in a radial experienced catheterization lab. ldTRA provides improved operator ergonomics and patient's comfort, in addition to the advantage of being able to cannulate the bypass grafts and with a very low risk of vascular complications.

Aim A novel nurse-focused discrete event simulation modelling approach was tested to predict nurse workload and care quality. Background It can be challenging for hospital managers to quantify the impact of changing operational policy and technical design such as nurse-patient ratios on nurse workload and care quality. Planning tools are needed-discrete event simulation is a potential solution. Method Using discrete event simulation, a demonstrator "Simulated Care Delivery Unit" model was created to predict the effects of varying nurse-patient ratios. Modelling inputs included the following: patient care data (GRASP systems data), inpatient unit floor plan and operating logic. Model outputs included the following: nurse workload in terms of task-in-queue, cumulative distance walked and Care quality in terms of task in queue time, missed care. Results The model demonstrated that as NPR increases, care quality deteriorated (120% missed care; 20% task-in-queue time) and nursing workload increased (120% task-in-queue; 110% cumulative walking distance). Conclusions DES has the potential to be used to inform operational policy and technical design decisions, in terms of impacts on nurse workload and care quality. Implications for nursing management This research offers the ability to quantify the impacts of proposed policy changes and technical design decisions, and provide a more cost-effective and safe alternative to the current trial and error methodologies.

Continued research on traditional herbal drugs has become important than ever due to their increasing use and demand as food supplements and nutraceuticals. The standardized extract of Centella asiatia (L.) Urban (Apiaceae), commonly known as Gotu kola, was evaluated for neuropharmacological, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Neuropharmacological activities were performed on specifically design apparatus, whereas anti-inflammatory test was carried out by 2% formalin in right hind paw of mice and analgesic effect was observed by 1% acetic acid induced writhing test. During central nervous system (CNS) activities (open field, cage cross, head dip, rearing, traction, light and dark test), the extract exhibited marked CNS depressive effect at 300 mg/kg dose. The results were compared with reference drug diazepam 2 mg/kg. C. asiatica extract (300 mg/kg) produced significant anti-inflammatory response in 2nd phase of formalin induced inflammation (61.12%; p ≤ 0.05). It also reduced no. of writhes up to 40.10% (500 mg/kg). Our findings support the respective traditional use of C. asiatica to treat painful and inflammatory conditions along with its supportive sedative and CNS depressant and muscle relaxant effect. Key words: Centella asiatica, CNS depressant, sedative, anti-inflammatory.

Background— Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) has a low sensitivity. Electroanatomic voltage mapping (EVM) is effective in guiding EMB thanks to its ability in identifying and locating low-voltage regions. The analysis of unipolar EVM can correlate with epicardial pathological involvement. We evaluated the unipolar EVM in EMB areas to determine whether it can increase EMB sensitivity in diagnosing epicardial diseases. Methods and Results— We performed endocardial bipolar EVM-guided EMBs in 29 patients and we analyzed unipolar EVM at withdrawal sites. Eighty myocardial samples were collected (mean, 2.8±0.9; median, 3 fragments per patient) and 60 were suitable for histological analysis. Ten specimens (17%) were collected from an area with discordant normal bipolar/low-voltage unipolar EVM and they were diagnostic or suggestive for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy in 6 patients, for myocarditis and sarcoidosis in 1 patient each. Six samples (10%) were collected from an area with discordant low-voltage bipolar/normal unipolar EVM and they showed nonspecific features. The sensitivity of unipolar EVMs for a diagnostic biopsy finding EMB was significantly higher compared with bipolar EVMs analyzed according to samples ( P P =0.008). The specificity of unipolar EMB was better than bipolar EMB when analyzed for all samples ( P =0.0014) but the difference did not reach statistical significance when analyzed by patient ( P =0.083). The diagnostic yield was 63.3% for the bipolar and 83.3% for the unipolar EVM. Conclusions— These findings suggest that use of a combined bipolar/unipolar map may be able to improve the diagnostic yield of endomyocardial ventricular biopsy.

Over the past 20 years, there has been increasing interest in exploring what language teachers believe (Borg, 2006). Often these beliefs are expressed in terms of metaphors (Richards, 1998; Woodward, 1991), but there has been little recent research connecting the two strands. The present study is based on the personal reflections of a group of 72 trainee teachers in a Malaysian University after a three-month practicum in local high schools. In these reflections, as well as currently fashionable constructs such as facilitator and motivator, these students often described their perceptions of the role of the language teacher using various metaphors. The wide range of metaphors volunteered by these trainee teachers were coded into various categories, such as terms relating to facilitating, mentorship, entertaining and kinship. This presentation will discuss a number of these, and also quote some of the trainees’ comments in support of their chosen metaphor, which thereby revealstheir underlying beliefs about teaching and learning. Relating their professional activity to other roles illuminates not only what teachers themselves believe, but also reinvigorates notions of (language) teaching itself. One of the implications of this study is that teacher educators, both in the specific setting and in relatable contexts elsewhere, can incorporate such metaphors into their programmes and in this way reimagine, refine and redefine the role of the language teacher for the benefit of their students, and themselves.

This paper presents the implementation of Penta band printed antenna for mobile handset applications. The desired frequency bands are achieved by embedding combination of various slots and stubs in the top and bottom layers of the printed circuit board. The antenna operates for the frequency bands of 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1575 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz for LTE, GSM, GPS, DCS, and PCS respectively with S11 = − 6 dB matching criteria (VSWR 3:1). The specific absorption ratio of the designed antenna is evaluated for IEEE C95.1-1999 standard with SAR of 0.9 W/kg averaged at 1 g of tissue. The Antenna consists of driven monopole with branch lines. By properly controlling the dimensions of each slot and length of elements, desired frequencies are achieved with good radiation characteristics. The desired operating bands are achieved in a compact area of 15 × 60 mm. The results for the specific absorption ratio plot, 3D gain patterns and s-parameters plot are presented for the proof of concept.