bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National Cancer Institute Experience in Micro-invasive Breast Carcinoma Treatment and Outcome
Authors: Salama Mohamed , Khater Amira , Adel Iman , Selim Marwa
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground: Significant relationship between breast cancer immunophenotype and risk of recurrence either local and/or distant may help determine which patients might benefit more from axillary staging and whether axillary staging is warranted in all cases or not. Patients with microinvasive carcinoma can present with axillary LN. metastasis, with incidence ranges from 0% to 20% . Thus, sentinel node biopsies are considered for patients with microinvasive carcinoma. The role of axillary staging in MIBC is not well defined, with the rate of axillary L.N. metastases ranging 0–11 %. Current studies focus on the clinical characteristics of MIBC. However, only a few studies have evaluated the survival and treatment, especially adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery, for patients with MIBC.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 139 cases diagnosed with microinvasive breast carcinoma from 2011 to 2015 who were identified in the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. The pathologic database of our hospital was searched to identify patients with a pathologic diagnosis of MIBC on surgical specimens. The clinical features, sonographic and mammographic images and pathology records were reviewed.Results: There is increased incidence of MIBC over the past decade. Patients with MIBC were managed surgically with BCS. MIBC have the good prognosis. However, patients who are negative hormonal receptors have relatively substantial risk of relapse within the first 5 years after surgical operation. Adjuvant chemotherapy can only improve the outcomes of patients with negative hormonal receptors. Further studies with prolonged follow-up of large cohort are warranted to assess the prognostic significance and treatment of this lesion.Keywords: MIBC, CIS, DCIS, BC
Correlation between Liver Ultrasonography with AST and ALT Value in Suspect Hepatitis
Authors: Majdawati Ana , Gugun Adang Muhammad
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Liver ultrasonography is frequently recommended in Hepatitis patients. Hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by infection with microorganisms, drugs, and alcohol. Hepatitis causes liver cell damage and sometimes can change the echostructure of ultrasonography. These changes have affected the value of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) or Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT).
AIM: The study aimed was to identify the correlation of liver ultrasonography with liver function (AST / ALT) in patients with suspected Hepatitis.
METHOD OLOGY: The method was a Cross-Sectional approach to identify the relationship of liver ultrasonography, including echostructure, size, edge or surface, portal vein, gall bladder with AST and ALT in patients with suspected Hepatitis. The subjects were from PKU Muhammadiyah Hospital Yogyakarta, 2015-2018, 18-60 years old. They were identified using ALT and AST and proposed ultrasonography of the liver and gallbladder. The samples size consisted of 68 men and 32 women. Liver enzyme and ultrasonography did not know the results of this examination (blind). The relationship between the two variables was analyzed through the Chi-Square.
RESULTS: The result was showed a significant relationship between liver ultrasonography, including the echostructure, size, portal vein dilatation with AST and ALT, and p-value for echo structure to AST 0.05 and ALT 0.02. The p-value of liver size revealed an AST of 0.03 and a p-value of a portal venous wall with AST 0.06 and with ALT of 0.02.
CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant relationship between echostructure, liver size, and portal vein wall with AST and ALT. The liver surface edge and gallbladder had no significant relationship with AST and ALT.
Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Neonatal Sepsis in Manado Tertiary Referral Hospital: A Single-center Study
Authors: Wilar Rocky , Lestari Hesti
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among newborn infants, both term and preterm. Even with effective treatment, the outcome is still uncertain, with inflated health-care cost due to prolonged length of stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate risk factors and their association with clinical outcomes of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary referral hospital in Manado, Indonesia.

METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of 365 neonatal sepsis subjects, conducted between January 2016 and December 2018. Risk factors were divided into two groups: Neonatal-related and maternal-related risk factors. Clinical outcomes analyzed were survival outcome (discharged or death) and hospital length of stay. Logistic regression, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis test were used in statistical analysis.

RESULTS: From all risk factors, the highest mortality rate was found in neonates with sclerema (83.1%), and the lowest mortality rate in neonates without tachypnea (11.6%). Further multivariate statistical analysis revealed two risk factors associated with mortality, such as tachypnea (OR 4.94, 95% CI 2.257–10.841; p < 0.001) and sclerema (OR 34.47, 95% CI 15.135‒78.509; p < 0.001). Further analysis also reported several risk factors associated with prolonged length of stay, such as very low birth weight (p < 0.001), premature rupture of the membrane (p = 0.009), preterm gestational age (p < 0.001), and non-hospital delivery location (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION: In neonatal sepsis, the presence of tachypnea and sclerema was significant risk factors for mortality. Meanwhile, premature rupture of the membrane, very low birth weight, preterm gestational age, and non-hospital delivery location were risk factors associated with prolonged length of stay.
Scrum Watch: a tool for monitoring the performance of Scrum-based work teams
Authors: Vega Florencia , Rodríguez Guillermo , Rocha Fabio , Pereira dos Santos Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

Agile Methods propose an approach for developing software based on an iterative and incremental life cycle model, in which needs and solutions evolve through collaboration between multi-functional and self-organized teams. As such, agile practices in work teams are gaining much momentum. To meet the demanding level of projects, agile software development also has to keep up with several challenges. In this context, software industry has chosen to use several tools to ease development and communication between different teams’ members. However, these tools generate overwhelming volumes of data that hamper decision-making by project managers. To address this issue, we present Scrum Watch, a tool-based approach that focuses on generating, through cloud-based technologies, graphic elements and reports that assist project managers with information to support decision making. Results obtained from an undergraduate Systems Engineering course through a capstone project confirm the feasibility of the proposed approach, which exploits the benefits of the availability and visualization of process and product metrics.
Calotheca nigromaculata species-group from sub-Saharan Africa with descriptions of two new species from KwaZulu-Natal (Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)
Authors: D'Alessandro Paola , Iannella Mattia , Grobbelaar Elizabeth , Biondi Maurizio
Published: January 2022

Calotheca Heyden is a flea beetle genus with a largely sub-Saharan distribution and currently comprising 34 species. The examination of new material is revealing an increase in species richness and intraspecific variability. Calotheca carolineaesp. nov. and C. wanatisp. nov., both from KwaZulu-Natal in the Republic of South Africa, are here described and attributed to the C. nigromaculata (Jacoby) species group, mainly based on genitalic characters. Photographs of the main diagnostic characters are provided, including the habitus, median lobe of the aedeagus, and spermatheca. Information on the geographic distribution and host plants of these species is also provided.
Mini-exon gene reveals circulation of TcI Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) in bats and small mammals in an ecological reserve in southeastern Mexico
Authors: Gómez-Sánchez Eliza F. , Ochoa-Díaz-López Héctor , Espinoza-Medinilla Eduardo E. , Velázquez-Ramírez D. Daniel , Santos-Hernandez Nancy Gabriela , Ruiz-Castillejos Christian , Vidal-López Dolores G. , Moreno-Rodríguez Adriana , Flores-Villegas Any Laura , López-Argueta Eduardo , De Fuentes-Vicente José A.
Published: January 2022

A wide variety of mammals are involved in the sylvatic cycle ofTrypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. In many areas in Latin America whereT. cruziis endemic, this cycle is poorly known, and its main reservoirs have not been identified. In this study we analyzedT. cruziinfection in bats and other small mammals from an Ecological Reserve in southeastern Mexico. From January through March 2021, we captured wild individuals to extract cardiac and peripheral blood, and infection was detected by PCR of the mini-exon gene. In bats, the prevalence of infection was 16.36%, while in small mammals the prevalence was 28.57%. All of the samples that were positive forT. cruziwere identified as the TCI genotype. Our findings suggest that this zone, situated at the periphery of urban zones might have epidemiological relevance in the sylvatic cycle ofT. cruziand needs to be monitored. The infection of bats in this area is particularly concerning since the flight pattern of this populations overlaps with human settlements. Despite being subject to conservation protections, there continue to be anthropogenic actions that disturb the study area, which could exacerbate risks to public health.
Le design systémique au service d’un projet innovant et complexe en e-santé
Authors: La Roque Mellie , Chirié Véronique , Martin Angela , Dumesny Rose
Published: January 2022

Cet article a pour objectif de présenter la validation externe d’un outil développé empiriquement et appliqué à un projet de santé complexe au travers du design systémique. Dans la première partie, nous interrogeons l’apport d’une démarche de recherche-action entre des acteurs associatifs, publics et privés dans la conception de services répondant au vieillissement de la population. Nous présentons le cas d’étude et mettons en évidence l’intérêt du design systémique, un cadre méthodologique pour penser la complexité. Dans la deuxième partie, nous présenterons notre démarche de mise en application du design systémique au travers d’une méthode d’analyse d’externalités, ainsi que les résultats de cette expérimentation pour conclure sur son apport.
Index models for ecological and health risks assessment of environmental micro-and nano-sized plastics
Authors: Christian Ebere Enyoh ,   Group Research in Analytical Chemistry, Environment and Climate change (GRACE & CC), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State Nigeria, Wang Qingyue , Andrew Wirnkor Verla , Tanzin Chowdhury ,   Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
Published: January 2022

The definition of environmental indexes is one of the most widely used methods and methodologies for the study of exposure to polluting agents, and it is a highly helpful instrument for describing the quality of the environment in a simple and straightforward manner. In this study, index models were presented and described that can be used in evaluating the contamination, pollution and health risks of environmental micro (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) to ecosystems and humans. Index models such as plastic contamination factors (pCf) and pollution load index (pPLI), plastic- bioconcentration or accumulation factors (pBCf or pBAf), plastic-biota-sediment accumulation factor (pBSAf), biota accumulation load index (BALI), polymer risks indices (pRi), polymer ecological risks index (pERI) while plastic estimated daily intake (pEDI) and plastic carcinogenic risks (pCR) were described for oral, dermal and inhalation pathways. All index modeled were further described based on polymer types of MPs/NPs. The final value is represented by a quantity that measures a weighted combination of sub-indices and defined by an appropriate mathematical function. The central concept is to present an indicator that can describe, in a clear and concise manner, the level of MPs/NPs in the environment, thereby indicating where it would be necessary to intervene and where it would not in order to improve overall environmental conditions.
Properties of contests: Constructing contest success functions from best-responses
Authors: Corchón Luis , Serena Marco
Published: January 2022

We aim at characterizing the functions that could be explained (recoverable) as a best reply of payoff-maximizing players in contests for a fixed prize. We show that recoverability strongly differs between Decisive Contests, where the prize is allocated with certainty, and Possibly Indecisive Contests, where the prize might not be awarded. In the latter, any arbitrary set of best reply functions is recoverable, thus "anything goes." In the former, best reply functions have to satisfy strong conditions in some cases. We provide an outline of possible applications of our results to R & D and labor markets.
Analysis and profiles of travelling wave solutions to a Darcy-Forchheimer fluid formulated with a non-linear diffusion
Authors: Rahman S. ,   Department of Mathematics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad, Pakistan, Palencia J. L. Díaz , González J. Roa ,   Universidad a Distancia de Madrid. Vía de Servicio A-6, 15, 28400 Collado Villalba, Madrid, Spain,   Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Ctra, Pozuelo-Majadahonda Km 1800, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
Published: January 2022

The intention along the presented analysis is to explore existence, uniqueness, regularity of solutions and travelling waves profiles to a Darcy-Forchheimer fluid flow formulated with a non-linear diffusion. Such formulation is the main novelty of the present study and requires the introduction of an appropriate mathematical treatment to deal with the introduced degenerate diffusivity. Firstly, the analysis on existence, regularity and uniqueness is shown upon definition of an appropriate test function. Afterwards, the problem is formulated within the travelling wave domain and analyzed close the critical points with the Geometric Perturbation Theory. Based on this theory, exact and asymptotic travelling wave profiles are obtained. In addition, the Geometric Perturbation Theory is used to provide evidences of the normal hyperbolicity in the involved manifolds that are used to get the associated travelling wave solutions. The main finding, which is not trivial in the non-linear diffusion case, is related with the existence of an exponential profile along the travelling frame. Eventually, a numerical exercise is introduced to validate the analytical solutions obtained.
Analytical investigation of fractional-order Newell-Whitehead-Segel equations via a novel transform
Authors: Areshi Mounirah ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia, Khan Adnan , Shah Rasool , Nonlaopon Kamsing ,   Department of Mathematics, Abdul Wali khan university Mardan 23200, Pakistan,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we find the solution of the time-fractional Newell-Whitehead-Segel equation with the help of two different methods. The newell-Whitehead-Segel equation plays an efficient role in nonlinear systems, describing the stripe patterns' appearance in two-dimensional systems. Four case study problems of Newell-Whitehead-Segel are solved by the proposed methods with the aid of the Antagana-Baleanu fractional derivative operator and the Laplace transform. The numerical results obtained by suggested techniques are compared with an exact solution. To show the effectiveness of the proposed methods, we show exact and analytical results compared with the help of graphs and tables, which are in strong agreement with each other. Also, the results obtained by implementing the suggested methods at various fractional orders are compared, which confirms that the solution gets closer to the exact solution as the value tends from fractional-order towards integer order. Moreover, proposed methods are interesting, easy and highly accurate in solving various nonlinear fractional-order partial differential equations.
The Elements of Computational Thinking in Learning Geometry by Using Augmented Reality Application
Authors: Abdul Hanid Mohd Fadzil , Mohamad Said Mohd Nihra Haruzuan , Yahaya Noraffandy , Abdullah Zaleha
Published: January 2022

Augmented Reality (AR) technology has now become a growing trend within the education field. It has the capability to combine both digital and reality world that subsequently leads to the emergence of new possibilities in im-proving the quality of teaching and learning activities. The objective of this research is mainly to analyse the Computational thinking elements in solving Geometry topic after the intervention of AR application. Qualitative data analysis was employed as the research methodology of this study that in-volved interview protocol with 10 pupils enrolled in Form 1 Mathematics class at one of the selected schools in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Content analy-sis was then administered using the ATLAS.Ti Version 8 software to identify the codes, themes, and meaning conveyed by the pupils’ answers in the Computational thinking test. Based on the interview and Computational thinking assessment show the pupils’ ability to solve Geometrical problems using Computational thinking elements. The researcher found that Computa-tional thinking elements do exist in problem solving pertaining to the topic of Geometry. However, the order of usage of these Computational thinking el-ements differs among the pupils. This leads to the conclusion that pupils who utilise the AR application with Computational thinking successfully solve Geometrical problems through the help of the Geometrical thinking process that comprises the elements of Abstraction, Generalisation, Decomposition, Algorithmic, and Debugging.
Career Retooling in a Pandemic-Recovery Phase
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: January 2022

The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has been disruptive of various industries globally, due to the need for social distancing in the absence of effective vaccines and treatments in the first year and counting. As humanity has racked up losses, many people have been sidelined from the workforce, which was already under pressure with the incursions of high technology in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). To survive, people have had to raid savings, liquify whatever they have of value, and rely on family and friends and public charity to survive. Many have left bills unpaid, for rent, for auto loans, for credit card debt, and others. As the world slowly comes out of the pandemic, thanks to multiple effective vaccines (by BioNTech and Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, stateside), many are starting to reenter the job market, with varying outcomes. This work explores various career retooling paths in this moment based on content analysis of available formal and informal data. There is primary research from the Social Web.
Sustainable Career in Agile Environment
Authors: Huque Sheikh Mohammed Rafiul , Islam Mohammad Nazmul , Farzana Tahira , Aziza Tasnima
Published: January 2022

Though COVID-19 has affected all sectors, the effect varies from industry to industry, and so does their employment condition. Layoff, retrenchment, salary cut, upskilling, and reskilling for new work conditions made the work environment agile. This chapter investigated the career challenges that employees faced to maintain a sustainable career in the education, telecom, retail, restaurant, fintech industries through a qualitative research approach. The information was collected through the in-depth interviews (IDI) method with the employees across five different industries. Findings of the investigation reflected that transition from offline to the online platform was common which required new skill acquisition and execution in the job to survive in the agile environment. Adaptability with technology, self-development with skill acquisition in digital mode, regular participation in training, innovation, and so on may help the employees across the industry to make their career sustainable in an agile environment.
Porous NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Fabricated via Powder Metallurgy Technique Using Pore Forming Agent
Authors: Abd Kadir Nur Amanina , Zaki Hafizah Hanim Mohd , Abdullah Jamaluddin , Daud Farah Diana Mohd , Sariffudin Norshahida
Published: January 2022

Porous NiTi shape memory alloy is of special interest for biomedical purposes especially for human bones application due to its attractive features such as lower stiffness to minimize the effect of stress shielding and good strength to prevent deformation and fracture apart from its shape memory effect and superelastic behavior. With all these great benefits, however, the challenge is to produce porous NiTi which resembles cancellous bone. Therefore, in this research, pore forming agent such as calcium hydride, CaH2, is added to the equiatomic of Ni and TiH2 powder mixture to produce porous NiTi with higher porosity level using powder metallurgy technique. Here, the effect of composition of pore forming agent on porosity level, phase formation and transformation behaviour of porous NiTi were investigated. From the observation, the pores formation exhibits small closed pores instead of interconnected pores. The result also shows that by adding 3wt% composition of pore forming agent, the porosity level of sample sintered can reach up to 32%. For phase transformation behavior, there are martensitic transformation peaks observed both upon cooling and heating for all samples, however the overall enthalpy changes are significantly lower (<2 J/g). This due to undesirable phase such NiTi2, Ni-rich phase and also Ni3Ti that co-exist with NiTi formation, thus jeopardize the transformation enthalpy for porous NiTi.
Effect of Calcium Salt Coating on Cordierite Powders on Bioactivity Properties
Authors: Tuan Ab Rashid Tuan Nur Izzah , Mohamad Hasmaliza
Published: January 2022

Cordierite powders were synthesized via a melt-quench method. The samples were melted at 1550°C for 4 hours and immediately quenched in distilled water. The bioglass ceramic frit was milled and calcined to produce cordierite powders. After that, cordierite was treated with calcium acetate as a calcium salt in order to enhance the bioactivity of cordierite. The powders were immersed in calcium acetate solution for 24 hours and dried in the oven at 80°C for 24 hours. The mixtures were pressed into pellet form for bioactivity testing. Then, cordierite pellets were soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 7 days. SEM micrographs show the formation of the hydroxyapatite layer on its surface after soaking in SBF solution. While EDX analysis shows the presence of calcium after the treatment. The presence of cordierite and hydroxyapatite phases were confirmed by XRD analysis.
Ionizers as Major ESD Countermeasure in 12nm Gate Oxide Semiconductor Manufacturing
Authors: binti Abd Ghani Nabilah Fathiah , bin Bakhri Mohammad Zakariya , bin Mohamadiah Ismail , bin Ahmad Khairol Amali , Anis Shahida Niza Binti Mokhtar
Published: January 2022

The sensitive Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) has been found to be the major causes in semiconductor manufacturing that contributed in the event when the samples did not function properly and failed during testing. Various techniques had been studied and implemented as the ESD countermeasures. Based on the EDS event model, control measures on people, grounding and ionizations have been practiced as the main preventive measures against ESD. However, many aspects of the measures need to be customized to the specific fabrication areas. This paper conducted several experiments in the use of ionizers to tackle the ESD issue in a 12nm Gate Oxide semiconductor fabrication facility. Based on several hypotheses on the areas and operations that are prone to ESD during the back-end processes, experiments were conducted to evaluate them. The results affirm the need to individually and specifically check the effectiveness of the usage of ionizers to combat ESD as some ionizer were found to be not effective at the location or area where they are installed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Palm Kernel Oil Polyol Based Shape Memory Polyurethane: Effect of Different Diisocyanates
Authors: Rasli @ Rosli Nur Athirah , Zubir Syazana Ahmad
Published: January 2022

Shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) is a very versatile material that has a broad array of applications. The selection of soft segments and hard segments play critical roles in determining the structure-property behaviors of SMPU. This research was conducted to evaluate the role of distinct types of diisocyanate on the final properties of polyurethane (PU). Palm kernel oil polyol (PKO) based PU were produced by using two-step bulk polymerization method with variations of diisocyanates. Isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), 4,4-methylenebis (cyclohexyl isocyanate) (HMDI) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) were used in the preparation of PU and the soft segment crystallinity, thermal and shape memory properties of the PU were evaluated. Based on the analyses, it was found that different types of diisocyanate and combination of diisocyanates had huge impact on the properties of the synthesized PU. The Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that IPDI based PU achieved the highest hydrogen bonding index value which promoted the phase separation. This is in accordance with differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis which showed that IPDI based PU exhibited crystalline soft phase, hence resulted in an excellent shape fixity behavior. On the other hand, HDI and HMDI based polyurethane prepared showed absence of crystalline soft phase based on the DSC thermogram and XRD diffractogram. These results suggest the phase mixing phenomenon between soft and hard segments which contributed to low shape memory behavior of the resulting polyurethane.
Effect of Pressure Load on the Physical Properties of ZTA-TiO2-Cr2O3
Authors: Manshor Hanisah , Ali Afifah , Azhar Ahmad Zahirani Ahmad
Published: January 2022

ZTA is considered as one of the most popular ceramic composites that are used for cutting tools due to their excellent properties. Consistent efforts should be expanded to achieve improvements in toughness and strength, and thus help them achieve a longer tool life. However, powder compaction process has been found to be a limiting factor in the production of a defect-free ceramic pellet where the green product often ruptures immediately after the compaction process or sintering process. This may be contributed by uneven distribution of pressure load, thus affecting the particles packing and properties of final product. As a solution, the present work aims to study the effect of different compaction pressure on the physical properties of ZTA-TiO2-Cr2O3 ceramic composite to establish a defect-free cutting insert. The samples were fabricated by solid state processing, subjected to pressure loads varied from 200 MPa-350MPa, followed by sintering at 1600°C for 1 hour. The sintered samples were characterized accordingly. The results showed significant enhancement in density and hardness with increasing compaction pressure from 200 MPa to 300 MPa. On the other hand, further increment of pressure deteriorates the properties of the samples. These were due to the excessive external pressure which caused a very tight compaction in the mold, resulted in elastic expansion of the compact and sliding of particles as the pressure is removed. In conclusion, ZTA-TiO2-Cr2O3 subjected to 300 MPa compaction pressure showed the most optimal properties with the highest density (4.58 g/cm3) and hardness (2001 HV).
Influence of Annealing Temperatures on the Structural Behaviour and Electrical Properties of La(FeSi)13 Alloys
Authors: Zulkifly Muhammad Ikmal , Makmor Nazrul Fariq , Rahman Abdul Rashid Abdul , Hashim Fakhroul Ridzuan , Md Din Muhamad Faiz , Wan Zambri Wan Fathul Hakim
Published: January 2022

This paper study the effect of structural behaviour and electrical properties in cubic NaZn13-type La (FeSi)13 compounds annealed at different high temperatures from 1000oC to 1200oC. The Raman spectroscopy measurement revealed a different level of coexistence of La (FeSi)13-type phase and α-Fe in 1000oC, 1100oC and 1200oC annealed samples. The different level coexistence of the phases suggested that the samples show a significant phase change with different annealing temperature methods. This finding has also supported by impedance analyzer measurement, where the pattern shows that the 1000oC and 1100oC samples have similar behaviour waveform pattern compared to the 1200oC, which has different behaviour. Besides, the impedance pattern clearly shows that the propagation of the signal for the 1000oC and 1100oC before it arrives in the conductor state (R=0.00) has high resistive values compared to 1200oC annealed samples. Further investigation on the electrical properties was done with the conductivity and tan delta measurements. The results show that 1200oC annealed sample have a high value of conductivity (S=18μ S/m) compares with 1100oC (S= 0.1μ S/m) and 1000oC (S=4.89n S/m). The tan delta measurements found that samples annealed at 1200oC temperature has low value of resistivity (tan ɗ = 0.117) compares with 1100oC (tan ɗ = 0.335) and 1000oC (tan ɗ = 0.482) respectively.
Green Synthesis of Nanostructured Zinc Oxide (ZnO) - Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Thin Films
Authors: Hussin Rosniza , Razali M.H. , Ainun Rahmahwati Ainuddin , Zakiah Kamdi , Aida Ibrahim Siti , Harun Z.
Published: January 2022

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructured was synthesized by green method. The zinc acetate dehydrated, Zn (CH3COO)2.2H2O was mixing with psidium guajava leaves extract as reducing as well as capping agent which is very simple, rapid, cost-effective and environment friendly route. However, Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) sol-gel was synthesized by using titanium (IV) butoxide, Ti (OC4H9)4, butanol, C4H9OH, acetic acid, CH3COOH, and distilled water, H2O. The deposition of ZnO/TiO2 thin films on the glass substrate applied by spin coating method. The calcination temperature has been used for the first layer of ZnO were 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C and for the second layers, which is TiO2, were 500 °C and 600 °C. Four types of characterization were perform to analyse the ZnO/TiO2 thin films such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). From XRD analysis, the result shows the zincite structure of ZnO thin films and the anatase structure of TiO2 thin films. Besides, increasing the calcination temperature will increase the peak intensity. Furthermore, FESEM performed to analyse the surface morphology of ZnO/TiO2 thin films, which is when calcination temperature increase will increase the size of the particles. Meanwhile, the analyzing of ZnO/TiO2 thin film using AFM shows that with increasing the calcination temperature will increase the surface roughness and particle size. The UV-Vis was use to determine the optical properties of the ZnO/TiO2 thin films where it shows the percentage transmittance improved after increase calcination temperature.
Phase Composition of Sintered AlCrFeNi
Authors: Setiawan Jan , Pribadi Slamet , Jamaludin Agus , Hasa Muhammad Husna Al , Prajitno Djoko Hadi
Published: January 2022

The AlCrFeNi alloys has successfully synthesized with the composition of Al, Cr, Fe, and Ni at 25 atomic percent. The synthesis of this material is to obtain an alloy intended as nuclear fuel cladding for a research reactor with high uranium density. The AlCrFeNi alloys made from pressed powder then sintered at temperatures of 800, 900, and 1000 °C with a dwelling time for one hour. Sintering process was conducted in inert atmosphere. The obtained alloys were analyzed using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for morphological observation and elemental analysis. From the diffraction pattern, the three alloys synthesized had the dominant B2 phase. Alloys sintered at 800 °C and 900 °C show the FCC phase linear in composition value with the sintering temperature. From the diffraction pattern, a theoretical density value is also obtained. The results indicate that the alloy with the only B2 phase has the lowest density of 5.932 g/cm3. From the SEM micrographs, it can be seen that the morphology of the alloys have relatively large cracks. The elemental analysis results to confirm the alloy's phase composition obtained a ratio of Al and Ni, which only allows the B2+FCC phases to form.
Compressive Strength of Concrete Bricks with Recycled Concrete Sludge Waste
Authors: Azhar Ahmad Zahirani Ahmad , Saad Siti Asmahani , Shaffiar Norhashimah Mohd , Ismail Md Yusof
Published: January 2022

Owing to the inability of waste concrete to be recycled, unlike aluminium or glass, it is one of the most harmful substances to the environment. Thus, most of the waste concrete was poured in every available space, resulting in environmental contamination due to the chemical content of the waste concrete. This involves the fabrication and characterization of cement bricks’ compressive strength made from concrete sludge waste in order to investigate the feasibility of re using waste concrete. The concrete waste was to substitute the cement composition within the bricks. The composition of cement and waste concrete is varied to investigate effect of its compressive strength and its microstructure. In general, the optimal formulation is 100 wt % cement and 0 wt % waste, with a compressive strength of up to 12 MPa on average. Increasing the waste composition by 50% reduces the compressive strength of the concrete bricks to 2MPa which limiting the range of application suitable with its properties.
pH Effect on Microbial Corrosion by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Sp. on Galvanized JIS3502 Steel
Authors: Azmi Nor Syuhada , Hasim Nurhaziqah , Mat Yajid Muhammad Azizi , Abu Bakar Engku Mohammad Nazim Engku , Nosbi Norlin , Rejab Nik Akmar , Wan Ali Wan Fahmin Faiz
Published: January 2022

Microorganisms can initiate, accelerate, and/or inhibit corrosion processes through several different ways, including modification of the localized environment at the metal/solution interface causing pitting attack. In this work, the effect of pH on Pseudomonas growth was investigated in understanding the biodeterioration manganese steel rod due to bacteria attack. This study focused on identifying the effect of pH on the corrosion of galvanized steel. In artificial seawater containing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Galvanized steels were exposed to the medium for 7 days at 37°C at pH ranging from 5.0 to 9.0. Roles of different metallurgical, chemical and microbiological features on the surface will be reviewed to interpret this phenomenon. The results confirmed that the pits formed in this case are attributed to the Pseudomonas Aeruginosasp under microbial corrosion.
Children deserve to live in a safer world – Unintentional injuries in children
Authors: Liyanarachchi Nayana
Published: January 2022

Improvement in the health status of children over the last 50 – 100 years has been spectacular. This was because of targeted interventions carried out to combat infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies. However, injury remains a threat to the health and wellbeing of children and is recognized as a major killer of children worldwide. There are factors that make children particularly susceptible to injuries. The fact that child injuries are predictable and preventable is not well understood by many. Awareness building is therefore vital. Prevention of child injury requires the involvement and commitment of a broad group of agencies.
Impact of Covid 19 preventive measures on hospital admission due to respiratory illness in children at Professorial Paediatric unit Teaching Hospital Jaffna
Authors: Umasankar N.
Published: January 2022

Respiratory diseases are common causes of hospital admission in children. Droplet transmission is the primary route of transmition in respiratory infections. The objective was to assess the burden of respiratory diseases on hospital admission of children during this Covid 19 pandemic and to assess the impact of Covid 19 preventive measures on it. An institutional based retrospective descriptive study based on secondary data was carried out at Professorial Paediatric unit Teaching hospital Jaffna. The data was extracted from the electronic patient management system. All the records of children who were primarily diagnosed with respiratory disease during the period of June 2020 to May 2021 were extracted. This data was compared with that of 2017. The total hospital admission has reduced from 4127 to 1049 during the pandemic. There was a significant decrease in total hospital admission during the covid 19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic {t (11.488) = 8.015 p<0.001}. Similarly, there was a significance decrease in the admissions due to respiratory diseases during the covid 19 pandemic {t(11.355) =5.982 p<0.001}. The percentage of respiratory admission has significantly reduced during the pandemic {t(21.997) =5.173 p<0.001}. Hospital admission due to respiratory illness has significantly reduced when compared to total admission during this pandemic. This may be attributed to social distancing, wearing mask and good hand hygiene.
Late presentation of Mullerian agenesis as primary subfertility
Authors: Raguraman S. , Dilinika M. M. S.
Published: January 2022

Mullerian agenesis with primary amenorrhea is a rare condition and uncommonly presented as primary subfertility. It is a complex defect in the female genital tract’s embryological development. We present a case report of a 34-year-old woman presented initially for primary subfertility management, and a systematic clinical approach such as history, examination and investigations (diagnostic laparoscopy) diagnosed Mullerian agenesis with normal development of other systems. After diagnosis, psychological counselling, vaginal dilators to improve her vaginal length and adoption were done with the multidisciplinary team approach. Community-based case study assessment and early detection of primary amenorrhea with available facilities in a low resource setting are essential elements for an early diagnosis and subsequent optimal outcomes.
Multiple Myeloma as a rare cause of membranoproliferative glomerular nephritis
Authors: Nimalan Albert , Sivansuthan S.
Published: January 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a relatively uncommon cancer characterized by the neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin(Ig). Renal failure in multiple myeloma is around 48% and it may be the presenting manifestation of MM.[1] Renal involvement is multifactorial including light chain cast nephropathy amyloidosis, monoclonal Ig deposition disease and less frequently cryoglobulinaemic glomerulonephritis and proliferative glomerulonephritis.[2-5] Hence membrano proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a rare form in MM. Here we report a case of multiple myeloma with MPGN in a 60-year-old male who succumbed to death while on chemotherapy.
Autonomously functioning thyroid nodule: a patient-based review
Authors: Pinto Diluka , Fernando Ranil
Published: January 2022

Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodule (AFTN) is a rare cause of hyperthyroidism. AFTN, first described by Emil Goetsch in 1918, is the presence of a single hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule, which is not under the control of the pituitary/thyroid axis. The current theory on the development of hyperfunctioning nodules is the constitutive activation of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor (TSHR) due to a somatic point mutation and mutations of Gsa. The reported incidence of AFTN is about 1% on the investigation of thyroid nodules. Only about 10% - 30% become hyperfunction. Due to the rarity and lack of understanding of its characteristic clinical behaviour, AFTNs are often overlooked and undertreated. The ensuing review is based on a 36-year-old female who underwent left hemithyroidectomy for an AFTN and is well to date. There are two main issues in the diagnosis and management of AFTN. The first is that the diagnosis is not always made as most patients with AFTNs are functionally euthyroid. The other is the paucity of data in the literature to offer evidencebased individualized management for patients. As there are no tissue diagnostic criteria for AFTN; clinical, biochemical and radiological assessments to establish TSH independent nodular hyperfunction will clinch the diagnosis.Surgery and Radioiodine ablation remain the main forms of treatment for AFTN. Other methods such as percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT), laser ablation (LA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have a limited role in the management of an AFTN. The newer methods alluded to above will need further evaluation and a better definition of exact roles in the management of an AFTN.
First paediatric live donor liver transplant in Sri Lanka with 1 year outcome : challenges for the future
Authors: Siriwardana Rohan , Thilakarathne S. , Fernando M , Gunetilleke M. B. , Weerasooriya A. , Appuhamy C.
Published: January 2022

IntroductionLiver transplantation in the paediatric age group is demanding due to smaller body proportions and physiology. This paper describes the first successful paediatric liver transplant in Sri Lanka along with its one-year outcome. Describing the challenges faced during the process, we highlight the factors that need to be considered for a sustainable programme in the future. MethodologyA 9-year-old girl who had progressive familial intra hepatic cholestasis type 3 was referred to us with features of end stage liver disease. She was identified as a suitable candidate for liver transplantation. Her 38-year-old mother was selected as the donor, who was evaluated for suitability of a left lateral segment donation. ResultsThe first paediatric liver transplantation was performed in July 2020. The child's mother donated the left lateral segment weighing 325g. During the postoperative period the child developed outflow tract obstruction at the hepatic venous anastomosis. This was managed with a percutaneously placed stent. Six months after transplant, she developed an acute rejection that required steroids. Treatment of rejection was complicated with multiple liver abscesses caused by Aspergillus. The infection was treated with systemic antifungals and drainage. At one-year post transplant, the recipient had recovered from the trauma of surgery and had normal liver biochemistry, a patent hepatic venous stented anastomosis and complete resolution of the abscesses. We faced dual challenges in dealing with a live liver transplant donor and a young child who was the recipient. Our success, on this occasion, was underscored by the multidisciplinary contribution from specialists scattered across the island combined with state-public partnership. ConclusionTo offer a sustainable live donor liver transplant service for the future, many other aspects, beyond surgery itself, need to be addressed.
Evaluation of biocompatibility, osteointegration and biomechanical properties of the new Calcemex® cement: An in vivo study
Authors: Maluta Tommaso , Lavagnolo Umberto , Segalla Lydia , Elena Nicholas , Bernardi Paolo , Degl'Innocenti Daniele , Sbarbati Andrea , Magnan Bruno
Published: January 2022

The mixture of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and β-tricalciumphospate (β-TCP) is the most widely used bone graft. Common features of bone cement are the biocompatibility, bioactivity, mechanical stability and ability to fuse with the host's bone tissue. However, there are still few studies that have evaluated these characteristics in vivo. Our study aims to acquire these parameters, using an animal model with functional characteristics similar to those of humans. The analyzed cement is Calcemex®, evaluated both in compact and fluid formulation. The chosen animal models were 5 pigs, treated with femoral and tibial implants of Calcemex® samples. After one year, the pigs were sacrificed and the specimens explanted for morphological, histological, ultrastructural and mechanical evaluations. For both formulations, the investigation highlighted the absence of foreign body reactions in the host, the histological integration with the surrounding tissues and the preservation of mechanical compression resistance.
Safety and feasibility of physiotherapy in ICU-admitted severe COVID-19 patients: an observational study
Authors: Rossi Veronica , Santambrogio Martina , Del Monaco Cesare , Retucci Mariangela , Tammaro Serena , Ceruti Clara , Saderi Laura , Aliberti Stefano , Privitera Emilia , Grasselli Giacomo , Sotgiu Giovanni , Blasi Francesco
Published: January 2022

Early physiotherapy could play an important role in the management of severe COVID-19 subjects with consequences of prolonged ICU stay, although its effectiveness is still unclear. Aim of this study is to describe physiotherapy performed in severe COVID-19 patients and to evaluate its safety and feasibility. Consecutive adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, admitted to the ICU, needing invasive mechanical ventilation for >24 hours and receiving early physiotherapy, have been enrolled. Adverse events occurred during physiotherapy sessions and timing and type of physiotherapy delivered were analysed, to identify the interventions most frequently performed and to determine the time taken to first mobilize, stand and walk. Functional and clinical assessment of patients was also performed at hospital discharge. Eighty-four severe COVID-19 subjects were enrolled. Few minor adverse events were recorded. Active mobilization was promoted over passive mobilization and independence in daily life activities was supported. Time interval from patients’ intubation to the first physiotherapy treatment was 13 days and to walking was 27 days. Forty-eight (57.1%) subjects returned at home, whereas 29 (34.5%) were discharged to in-patient rehabilitation. Patients with tracheostomy experienced a delay in time from ICU admission until sit out of bed and ambulation, if compared with subjects without tracheostomy, although no differences were found in 6MWT and 1m-STST performances. This study reporting early physiotherapy during pandemic suggests that this intervention is feasible and safe for severe COVID-19 subjects, as well as healthcare workers, although delayed compared to other critically ill patients.
Regulation of Pancreatic β-Cell Mass by Gene-Environment Interaction
Authors: Asahara Shun-ichiro , Inoue Hiroyuki , Kido Yoshiaki
Published: January 2022

The main pathogenic mechanism of diabetes consists of an increase in insulin resistance and a decrease in insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. The number of diabetic patients has been increasing dramatically worldwide, especially in Asian people whose capacity for insulin secretion is inherently lower than that of other ethnic populations. Causally, changes of environmental factors in addition to intrinsic genetic factors have been considered to have an influence on the increased prevalence of diabetes. Particular focus has been placed on “gene-environment interactions” in the development of a reduced pancreatic β-cell mass, as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Changes in the intrauterine environment, such as intrauterine growth restriction, contribute to alterations of gene expression in pancreatic β-cells, ultimately resulting in the development of pancreatic β-cell failure and diabetes. As a molecular mechanism underlying the effect of the intrauterine environment, epigenetic modifications have been widely investigated. The association of diabetes susceptibility genes or dietary habits with gene-environment interactions has been reported. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of gene-environment interactions in pancreatic β-cell failure as revealed by previous reports and data from experiments.