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Aim: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature to evaluate the incidence of cranial ultrasound abnormalities (CUAs) amongst moderate to late preterm (MLPT) and term infants, affected by fetal growth restriction (FGR) or those classified as small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: A systematic review methodology was performed, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was utilised. Descriptive and observational studies reporting cranial ultrasound outcomes on FGR/SGA MLPT and term infants were included. Primary outcomes reported was incidence of CUAs in MLPT and term infants affected by FGR or SGA, with secondary outcomes including brain structure development and growth, and cerebral artery Dopplers. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed. Risk of Bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for case–control and cohort studies, and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for studies reporting prevalence data. GRADE was used to assess for certainty of evidence. Results: Out of a total of 2085 studies identified through the search, seventeen were deemed to be relevant and included. Nine studies assessed CUAs in MLPT FGR/SGA infants, seven studies assessed CUAs in late preterm and term FGR/SGA infants, and one study assessed CUAs in both MLPT and term FGR/SGA infants. The incidence of CUAs in MLPT, and late preterm to term FGR/SGA infants ranged from 0.4 to 33% and 0 to 70%, respectively. A meta-analysis of 7 studies involving 168,136 infants showed an increased risk of any CUA in FGR infants compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants (RR 1.96, [95% CI 1.26–3.04], I2 = 68%). The certainty of evidence was very low due to non-randomised studies, methodological limitations, and heterogeneity. Another meta-analysis looking at 4 studies with 167,060 infants showed an increased risk of intraventricular haemorrhage in FGR/SGA infants compared to AGA infants (RR 2.40, [95% CI 2.03–2.84], I2 = 0%). This was also of low certainty. Conclusions: The incidence of CUAs in MLPT and term growth-restricted infants varied widely between studies. Findings from the meta-analyses suggest the risk of CUAs and IVH may indeed be increased in these FGR/SGA infants when compared with infants not affected by FGR, however the evidence is of low to very low certainty. Further specific cohort studies are needed to fully evaluate the benefits and prognostic value of cranial ultrasonography to ascertain the need for, and timing of a cranial ultrasound screening protocol in this infant population, along with follow-up studies to ascertain the significance of CUAs identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new procedure for drying of cashew kernels is proposed. The new methodology involves the use of solar air dryers to remove the dark sticky coating called testa on the surface of the cashew kernel to get the final product. There are several challenges in the new procedures, especially with respect to the moisture level to be retained in the cashew kernel post drying for facilitating the optimal peeling activity. In this regard, thermal performance is carried out through a set of experimental and computational trials. The experiments have revealed that the natural and forced convection solar dryers with drying speeds of 1.0 kg/h and 1.66 kg/h, respectively, showed drying efficiencies of 51.7% and 50.9%, which is within the permissible acceptable limit, thus ascertaining a moisture reduction of 40 to 42% in each of case and keeping the moisture content within the band of approximately 5%, required for effective peeling of the testa from the cashew kernel to obtain the final product. This new method has resulted in batch drying of cashew kernels of up to 30 kg capacity in a time span of 360 minutes of solar irradiation with an average consumption of 255 kJ. The results of the experiments are also validated from the artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM) modelling, resulting in better prediction and optimization of the performance parameters. The error between the actual and experimental values is well within the permissible limit of +/-5%, thereby correlating the experimental and statistical values for deriving an ANN model for predicting the results for different time duration and solar irradiation. In this way, the thermal analysis of the solar dryers for drying cashew kernels has resulted in findings, which shall be utilized to improve the overall performance efficiency and the methodology adopted for maximum yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid renewable power generation system is proposed through parallel connection between two potential energy resources: photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbines. The method consists of incorporating a buck converter connected by a wind turbine to provide adjustment according to PV potential. Unlike the conventional buck-boost converter topology that is normally used, this research tries to emphasize the use of a buck converter as part of the system configuration. Design schemes were carefully performed and the postdesign system was tested through system simulation with MATLAB/Simulink software. The simulated system offers promising and significant results, thus making it suitable for hardware implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot plantar pressure is the pressure field that acts between the foot and the support surface during everyday locomotor activities. Information derived from such pressure measures is important in gait and posture research for diagnosing lower limb problems, footwear design, sport biomechanics, injury prevention and other applications. This paper reviews foot plantar sensors characteristics as reported in the literature in addition to foot plantar pressure measurement systems applied to a variety of research problems. Strengths and limitations of current systems are discussed and a wireless foot plantar pressure system is proposed suitable for measuring high pressure distributions under the foot with high accuracy and reliability. The novel system is based on highly linear pressure sensors with no hysteresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel-wood-steel connection is widely seen in many applications, such as timber structures. The stiffness of steel-wood-steel connection loaded parallel to grain for softwoods originated from Malaysia was investigated in this study. Numerical models have been developed in ABAQUS to study the stiffness connection. Softwoods of Damar Minyak and Podo have been selected in this analysis. The comprehensive study focused on the effect of bolt configurations on stiffness. Numerical analysis is carried out and the developed model has been validated with the previous study. Further investigations have been made by using the validated model. From this model, numerical analysis of the stiffness values have been made for various bolt configurations, including bolt diameter, end distance, bolt spacing, number of rows and bolts and edge distance. The result shows that the stiffness of bolted timber connections for softwood depends on the bolt diameter, number of rows and bolts, end distance and edge distance. Based on the result, stiffness increased as the diameter of the bolt, end distance, number of rows and bolts and edge distance increased. It is also discovered that the stiffness equation in Eurocode 5 (EC5) is inadequate as the equation only considered parameters which are wood density and bolt diameter. Other connection parameters such as geometry are not considered in the EC5 equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extrinsic compression of the Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) by a dilated pulmonary artery is a rare but a treatable cause of angina in patients with Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH). In majority of these patients, angina is attributed to right ventricular or left ventricular demand ischemia and in the absence of cardiovascular risk factors for atherosclerosis, they rarely undergo a coronary angiogram. So this rare diagnosis may be missed in such patients and optimal management delayed. In this case report we describe a patient of PAH secondary to Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), presenting with heart failure and complaining of persistent angina, due to extrinsic compression of the ostial LMCA by the dilated pulmonary artery, treated successfully by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). This case reminds us that in all patients of pulmonary hypertension presenting with angina and left ventricular dysfunction, this rare but treatable cause should be identified by coronary angiography and treated with PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional way to machine hybrid composites is hard because they tend to break, have a high retraction, have a high service temperature, and have an uneven surface irregularity. For high-strength fiber/metal composite constructions, alternative machining methods have drawn interest as a solution to these problems. Current research focuses on enhancing the Abrasive Water Jet Machining process by optimizing its variables using a composite material of epoxy reinforced with silicon carbide, stainless steel wire mesh, and Kevlar. The variables assessed are the Nozzle-to-substrate gap (S), the Abrasive discharge molding and different percentages of silicon carbide (SiC) filler (0%, 3%, and 6% by weight), three different types of hybrid laminates (H1, H2, and H3) were produced. The response surface method (RSM) was utilized in this learning, specifically on a central composite design, to calculate and optimize machining variables based on the Kerf convergence ratio (Kt) and Surface irregularity (Ra) as responses. According to the results, the traverse feed velocity, Abrasive discharge proportion, and Nozzle-to-substrate gap are the critical factors in determining Surface irregularity and Kerf convergence width (H1 laminate) for a fiber/metal laminate with 0%, 3% and 6% weight fraction. In the case of a 3% weight fraction H2 laminate, the traverse feed velocity was identified as the primary factor affecting the Kerf convergence ratio. In contrast, traverse feed velocity and Nozzle-to-substrate gap had the most significant influence on Surface irregularity. The findings also indicated that S, followed by Abrasive discharge proportion and traverse feed velocity, are the variables that have the most significant influence when cutting 6 wt% SiC filler particle fiber/metal laminate (H3 laminate). For Surface irregularity, the combination of traverse feed velocity and Nozzle-to-substrate gap had the most significant impact. To validate the optimization results, confirmatory tests was conducted, and the findings were very similar to the experimental values, indicating the accuracy and effectiveness of the optimization process. To better understand the manufacturing processes, a scanning electron microscope was used to examine the morphological features of the machined surfaces, such as delamination, fibre breakage, and fibre pull-out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative thermal analysis of water and engine coolant oil in a helical coil tube and shell heat exchanger is performed. The experimental study is carried out in parallel and counter flow conditions with laminar flow of the fluids. Various factors like heat transfer coefficient, friction factor, pressure drop, and pumping power for different fluid flow rates of 0.25 lpm (litre per minute), 0.5 lpm, and 0.75 lpm along tube side and shell side are compared. The other common factors of the heat exchanger along tube and shell side like overall heat transfer coefficient, NTU (Number of Transfer Units), LMTD (Log Mean Temperature Difference), effectiveness, and average heat transfer coefficient are also analysed for variation in flow rates. The variation of overall heat transfer coefficient is also compared with different non-dimensional numbers such as He (Helical Number), De (Dean Number), LMTD, and NTU. The maximum enhancement % of various heat transfer characteristics comparative to water in parallel flow condition is provided. For coolant oil in counter flow condition, the average heat transfer is enhanced by 63.3%, convective heat transfer coefficient by 42.7%, and overall heat transfer coefficient by 98.9% compared to parallel flow of water. It is also observed that counter flow of water provides more enhanced heat transfer (18.7%) than parallel flow of coolant oil. Finally it is concluded that in helical tube and shell type of heat exchanger the counter flow with coolant oil as a coolant is more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of present investigation is twofold, one to determine the effect of operational parameter on maximum temperature (Hot spots temperature) in heat generating (uniform and non-uniform) vertical parallel plates and two is to find out the position of maximum temperature (hot spots location) when plates are placed apart at optimum spacing (Bopt). A conjugate two dimensional laminar forced convection analysis is carried out in which the equations regulating the heat and fluid flow are solved by using finite difference numerical technique and the obtained algebraic equations are solved by using Thomas algorithm. The parameters viz Reynolds Number (ReH), Conduction-Convection parameter (Ncc), Heat generation parameter (Qt), and Prandtl Number (Pr), Spacing between the plates (B) were considered for present study, while the aspect ratio (Ar) of the plate is kept constant. The major outcome of present study says that the location of hot spot is mainly affected by ReH and mode of heat generation (uniform and non-uniform). It is also found that the spacing between the plates (B), ReH, Pr and Ncc play a major role in reducing the hotspots temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are gaining in popularity and sophistication in today's modern world. UAVs are now available in a wide range of configurations. A UAV's many applications include aerial photography and videography and target tracking. The upward-pointing propellers of some modern fixed-wing UAVs make it possible for them to take off and land vertically. Surveillance and intruder inspections are two areas where the blended wing body (BWB) configuration shines. This is because its weight is spread uniformly throughout the body, its radar signal is weaker than that of alternative configurations, and there is a relatively small amount of interference with its movement. With common design factors in mind, like vertical takeoff and landing, aerodynamic drag, and fundamental wing stability, the optimal BWB plan form for surveillance is designed. CATIA is used to finish the conceptual design of the BWB-based UAV. A fluid-structure interaction (FSI) study is carried out after the model has been examined in ANSYS Fluent. The UAV's responsiveness is improved through simulation in the MATLAB environment after a proportional-integral-derivative-type altitude controller was developed. The results demonstrate that providing the UAV with an altitude instruction enhances its performance. Given the flexibility of the suggested BWB UAV's design, we have decided to limit its maximum forward speed to 75 m/s and its maximum rate of vertical ascension to 50 m/s. Rapid BWB UAVs like the one seen here are quite helpful in dangerous situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) using reliable protocols of routing have become crucial in identifying the changes to topology on a continuous basis for a large collection of vehicles. For this purpose, it becomes important to identify an optimal configuration of these protocols. There are several possible configurations that have been preventing the configuration of efficient protocols that do not make use of automatic and intelligent design tools. It can further motivate using the techniques of metaheuristics like the tools, which are well-suited to be able to solve these problems. The glowworm swarm optimization (GSO), simulated annealing (SA), and slow heat-based SA-GSO algorithms have been proposed in this work. The SA is a method of optimization, which imitates the manner in which the thermal system has been frozen down to its lowest state of energy. In the GSO, there is guidance to the rules of feasibility, where the swarm converges to its feasible regions very fast. Additionally, for overcoming any premature convergence, there is a local search strategy that is based on the SA and is used for making a search that is near to its true optimum solutions. Finally, this sluggish temperature-based SA-GSO algorithm will be employed to solve routing problems and problems of heat transfer. There is a hybrid slow heat SA-GSO algorithm with a faster speed of convergence and higher precision of computation that is more effective in solving problems of constrained engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Single coronary artery (SCA) is a rare anomaly with a prevalence of 0.024–0.066%. Some anomalies are merely benign anatomical variants, whereas some can result in myocardial ischemia or life-threatening arrhythmia. Case Presentation. We described seven cases in which all three major coronaries emerged from the right sinus of Valsalva via a single ostium and supplied the vast majority of the myocardium. A smaller branch arising from the left sinus supplied a modest quantity of myocardium in some of those few cases. These SCA variations do not exactly fit into any existing classification. It is unclear whether we need to modify previous classification systems or newer classification systems. Conclusions. SCA is divided based on its anomalous course and is usually a benign condition but it may present with cardiovascular complications. Clinicians should be aware of this entity along with the role of CT angiogram in its diagnosis and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines the usage of biodiesel as a diesel substitute that is produced through the transesterification of pumpkin and maize with the addition of a diethyl ether (DEE) additive. Pumpkin-maize (PM) biodiesel and addition of diethyl ether (DEE), as well as their blends of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% with diesel, were used in performance, combustion, and emission examinations under various load conditions. According to the experimental findings, adding 5 ml of the DEE boosts BTE by 31.91 percent (B20 blend) compared to diesel. While the diesel equivalent of BSFC decreases by 9.519%. NO emission dropped by 34.91 percent at peak loads, HC emissions were augmented by 32.43%, and smoke opacity improved by 27.24%. To enhance the engine performance, combustion, and emission features of the substitute biodiesel diesel, the study emphasises the precise mix proportions of PM biodiesel with DEE addition. Using ANN, BTE, and NO were predicted with R2 values of 0.93 and 0.95, respectively. As can be observed, the R2 value for the ANN model was almost one, suggesting that the ANN models had better predictive power than other machine learning (ML) models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woven glass fiber reinforced with epoxy matrix composites are manufactured considering different glass/epoxy proportions and vibration analyses of the laminated composite plates subjected to free vibrations have been examined. The tensile and flexural strength of composites were evaluated by following ASTM standards. Free vibration of the composite specimen characteristics is studied using a Fast Fourier Transform analyzer, accelerometer using impact hammer excitation. The fast response functions are studied in order to clearly understand the vibration characteristics of the specimens. The experimentally obtained results of the rectangular composite plates are compared with the analytical results obtained from Nastran. The results showed a good agreement. It was observed that as the number of layers of the composite specimen increased, the frequency response also increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the reclamation of ash from incineration process and development of new artificial lightweight aggregate (LWA) that have comparable properties with existing natural coarse aggregate. the main objective of this study is to examine potential use of recycled municipal solid waste incineration (MsWi) ash as raw material in lWa production with a method of cold-bonded pelletization. two types of incineration ash which is bottom ash (BA) and fly ash (FA) were collected from Cameron highland incineration Plant, Malaysia. the properties of ba and Fa are studied by means of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and microstructure of these ashes were inspected using scanning electron Microscope (SEM). the properties of bala and Fala produced in this study is examined including loose bulk density, water absorption and aggregate impact value (AIV). From the results of both types of artificial lWa, the lowest loose bulk density of bala is bala50 with 564.14 kg/m³ and highest is at 831.19 kg/m³. For Fala50, lowest loose bulk density is 573.64 kg/m³ and highest is 703.35 kg/m³. Water absorption of bala and Fala is quite similar with one another in with the value of 23.8% and 22.6%, respectively. Generally, Fala have better qualities of lWa comparing with bala with lower bulk density and water absorption and can be categorized as strong aggregate. in summary, reclamation and reutilization of incinerator ash has generated acceptable qualities for artificial lWa. both types of ba and Fa shown a great potential to be recycled as additional materials in artificial aggregate production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youtube is one of the platforms to convey knowledge through learning and teaching Arabic. Furthermore, the sharp increase in the use of Youtube occur when COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. This also affects education that causes it to be done through open and distance learning (ODL). However so, not all students are able to conduct ODL for Arabic language course smoothly. Moreover, Arabic speaking skills was rated at the lowest level among students who considers the Arabic language is difficult to master. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the level of challenges faced by students in learning Arabic during ODL. In addition, it aims to produce Arabic speaking skills learning videos via Youtube during ODL. Finally, an analysis for the student's tamthiliy videos was conducted to improve Arabic speaking skill during ODL. This study is a survey-based research by using questionnaires and documents. The questionnaire instrument was used to identify the challenges and Youtube usage level among 300 students selected by random sampling from UiTM Melaka Branch. Whereas the documents were used to develop instructional video and analyse tamthiliy video. The collected data was then analysed descriptively and presented in the form of tables and diagrams. The findings that there were challenges faced by students in learning the Arabic language through ODL during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the development of learning videos and tamthiliy helps students to master Arabic speaking skill well in ODL learning. This study suggests future research to investigate the challenges aspects faced by Arabic language lecturers during COVID-19 pandemic and develop interactive teaching materials that is suitable for current situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experimental work focuses on testing the diesel engine by the replacement of pyrolysis oil extracted from different waste plastics. The novelty of this work is testing the engine performance, combustion, and emission study with the following proportions D90WPO7NP3, D80WPO15NP5, D70WPO23NP7, WPO100, and D100. The pyrolysis oil is extracted from the mixed waste plastics with calcium bentonite as a catalyst and n-propyl alcohol is used as an additive for better igniting developer. From the results, it is found that the performance parameters such as BTE are found to increase in efficiency by 2.2% for the fuel D90WPO7NP3 and decrease in BSFC by 3.1% for the same fuel compared to pure diesel. It is also noticed that the emission properties such as CO 2 , CO, HC, and O 2 content decreased in the order of 5.49%, and 6.2%. 39.2 and 12.5 % as compared to pure diesel. However, there is a slight increase in emissions of NO X due to the presence of uncontrolled enriched constituents in the pyrolysis oil; the increase in NOx emissions is found to be 16.2% compared to diesel fuel at full load conditions. The ML and RSM techniques using ANOVA techniques are adopted to find the least accuracy of data. This shows that the model fits the data well. The linear regression model explains 93.6% of the variation in BTE during training and has 95.9% prediction power. Linear Regression showed good predictive skills, acquiring a high R2 value of 0.985. It is concluded that pyrolysis oil with n-propyl alcohol as an additive gives a better substitute in the field of automobile applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for developing in-stent restenosis (ISR) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to examine the presentation and outcomes of drug-eluting stent (DES) ISR in diabetics. Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive patients with clinical DES-ISR, who were hospitalized between January 2013 and December 2017 and who were grouped based on the presence or absence of DM. Clinical, angiographic features and 1-year outcomes [composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat-target lesion revascularization] were compared. Results: Baseline characteristics of the DM group (n=109) were comparable to the non-DM group (n=82), except for the higher prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia in the former (60.6% vs. 46.3%, p=0.050; 74.4% vs. 57.8%, p=0.034, respectively). Clinical presentation was similar in both groups [acute coronary syndrome (ACS): 62.4% vs. 61%, p=0.843; MI: 34.9% vs. 34.1%, p=0.918). Diabetics had a higher prevalence of stent-edge restenosis (20.3% vs. 9.2%, p=0.019). The treatment strategy was similar in both groups with 52.3% in the DM group and 57.3% in the non-DM group undergoing PCI (p=0.513). One-year outcomes of the DM group were not different from those of the non-DM group (14.7% vs. 17.1%, p=0.683). Age [hazard ratio (HR), 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.10; p=0.017], MI presentation (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.14-4.80; p=0.020), and chronic kidney disease (CKD: HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.21-6.58; p=0.016) were predictors of poor outcomes. Conclusion: Stent-edge restenosis is more common in diabetics. Clinical presentation and 1-year outcomes following DES-ISR are similar in diabetics and non-diabetics. Age, MI presentation, CKD, and not DM were predictors of poor outcomes following DES-ISR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital ventricular diverticula and aneurysms are very rare. Prenatal diagnosis of such cases is reported only by few authors. Differentiating these two entities by echocardiography alone is very difficult. We present a case of prenatally diagnosed right ventricular diverticulum at 33 weeks of gestation. She was 37-year-old and primigravida with no past medical history. She underwent a routine prenatal scanning and was suspected to have a foetal cardiac abnormality and referred to us. It was diagnosed as foetal right ventricular diverticulum with the help of Motion-mode (M-mode) echocardiogram and was advised follow up after delivery. One of the differential diagnosis is ventricular aneurysm. Unfortunately, she had a miscarriage at 36 weeks due to unknown cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity and metabolic syndrome frequently coexist and are one of the major health problems around the globe and its prevalence is 25-30%. In India prevalence of metabolic obesity is ≥30%, among females who have higher levels as compared to males. There is a significant proportion of the population who are obese (BMI >25 kg/m²) but metabolically healthy, likewise some people with normal BMI status, but metabolically obese. In this study, we have evaluated the association between metabolic obesity and severity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in stable angina patients. Aim: To assess the association of severity of angiographic CAD based on the Metabolically Obese (MO) status and Body Mass Index (BMI). Materials and Methods: Total 408 subjects with stable angina and with positive stress test were included in the study and severity of CAD was measured by SYNTAX score. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2, and normal weight was defined as BMI <25 kg/m2. The metabolic obesity was determined using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEPATP-III) classification in which Asian-specific cutoffs for abdominal obesity is used. Therefore, study subjects were categorised as follows: 1) Metabolically Healthy and Normal Weight (MHNW); 2) Metabolically Obese but Normal Weight (MONW); 3) Metabolically Healthy but Obese (MHO); and 4) Metabolically Abnormally Obese (MAO). Statistical analysis was carried out using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Baseline clinical, demographic, anthropometric and laboratory data are presented as mean±Standard Deviation (SD), median (range), or number (%) unless specified. Comparison among groups was calculated with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Kruskal-Walis test for continuous variables and the Pearson chi-square test for categorical variables. Association between groups and severity of CAD was done by Kruskal-Wallis test. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 408, 70.3% (n=287) subjects were male, 52.7% (n=215) subjects were hypertensive, and 42.9% (n=175) subjects had high BMI. Metabolic obesity showed higher prevalence of CAD (MO, OR=0.25, 95% (1): 0.31-1.03) than patients with higher BMI status (BMI, OR=1.39, 95% (1): 0.79-2.4). Syntax score which measures the severity of CAD is marginally high in MONW group (p-value-0.003) when compared to MHNW group. Conclusion: MO group was associated with a high prevalence and severity for CAD than metabolically healthy group irrespective of their weight status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder which is characterised by a high risk of developing arterial as well as venous thromboembolic complications like deep vein thrombosis, stroke, cortical vein thrombosis and rarely acute Myocardial Infarction (MI). PV has a risk rate of major thrombosis as high as 50%. Bleeding, thrombotic, and vascular complications are the major causes of morbidity and mortality, occurring in 40 to 60% of these patients. MI with heart failure is the most common cause of death in these patients. Congenital Protein S deficiency is an autosomal dominant disease. Venous thrombosis develops in 60-80% of patients who are heterozygous for Protein S deficiency. Hereditary Protein S deficiency is a well known risk factor not only for venous thrombosis but also for arterial thrombosis including MI and stroke. However, association of Protein S deficiency with arterial thrombosis is less appreciated. Very rarely, we find all the varied thrombotic complications in one patient. We hereby present a case who had varied thrombotic presentations due to underlying polycythemia with Protein S deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Glycosylated HaemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) is a time-integrated marker for glycaemic control. It also helps in predicting the risk of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) among diabetic patients. Aim: To determine the association between HbA1c and severity of CAD in patients with stable angina. Materials and Methods: A total of 144 patients with the positive cardiac stress test and stable angina who are undergoing a Coronary Angiogram (CAG) were enrolled. The patients were classified into three groups according to baseline HbA1c level (Normal group <5.6%, n=53; pre diabetic group 5.7-6.4%, n=62; diabetic group >6.4%, n=29). One-way ANOVA test analysed baseline characteristics of the study population. The association between HbA1c level and the risk of CADs was calculated by Pearson correlation. A p-value less than 0.05 considered to be significant. Results: The subjects who were pre diabetic have 1.77 times more odds of having CAD than the patients who are normal OR (95% CI)=1.77 (0.84,3.73). Patients who have diabetes have 3.13 times more odds of having CAD than the patients who are normal OR (95% CI)=3.13 (1.20,8.16), p=0.02. Higher HbA1c levels were associated with higher incidence of CAD. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was a significant association between raised baseline HbA1c levels and occurrence of CAD in patients with positive cardiac stress test/stable angina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baseline radioactivity levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials within the operational area and surrounding communities of Akyem Gold Mine of Newmont Golden Ridge Limited of Ghana were determined based on direct gamma-ray spectrometry to quantify the radionuclides of interest, namely, 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soil samples. The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the soil samples were 11.90, 11.39, and 139.71 Bq/kg, respectively. For the water samples, the concentration values of gross-alpha and gross-beta for all the water samples were below the Ghana Standards Board (now Ghana Standards Authority) and World Health Organization recommended guideline values for drinking water quality. The annual average effective dose to the public due to gamma ray exposures from the soil samples was estimated to be 0.03 mSv which is below the UNSCEAR 2000 average reference level of 0.07 mSv for public exposure control. The results obtained in this study also show that radiation levels are within the natural background radiation levels found in literature and compare well with the results of similar studies in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost effective improvement of the mechanical performances of structural materials is an important goal in construction industry. To improve the flexural strength of plain concrete so as to reduce construction costs, the addition of fibers to the concrete mixture can be adopted. The addition of small steel fibers with different lengths and proportion have experimentally been analyzed in terms of concrete flexural strength enhancement. The main objectives of the present study are related to the evaluation of the influence of steel fibers design on the increase of concrete flexural characteristics and on the mode of failure. Two types of beams have been investigated. The force level, deflection and time to failure of beams have been measured. The shear crack, flexural crack and intermediate shear-flexural crack have been studied. The steel fiber content controlled crack morphology. Flexural strength and time to failure of fiber reinforce concrete could be further enhanced if, instead of smooth steel fibers, corrugated fibers were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently most ophthalmic operating rooms are equipped with an analog video recording system [analog Charge Couple Device camera for video grabbing and a Video Cassette Recorder for recording)]. We discuss the various advantages of a digital video capture device, its archiving capabilities and our experience during the transition from analog to digital video recording and archiving. The basic terminology and concepts related to analog and digital video, along with the choice of hardware, software and formats for archiving are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor and a reply are presented in response to the article "Foot Plantar Pressure Measurement System: A Review" in a 2012 issue.

A response to a letter to the editor on the article "Digital Video-Recording and Archiving in Ophthalmic Surgery" is presented.