bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion of Aluminum Alloy Used as Sacrificial Anode for Steel Embedded Concrete Transmission Tower in Brackish Mud
Authors: Yahya Zainuddin , Rahman Mujibur M. , Daud M.
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the cathodic protection of steel embedded concrete of aluminum based alloy in brackish mud. In this experiment, aluminum based alloys containing 5% zinc, 2% magnesium, and 0.5-2% stannum were fabricated. These elements were added because they produce heat treatable alloys, improved anti friction characteristics, fluidibility, and contain highest strengthening effect on aluminum alloys. These alloys were tested as sacrificial cathodic protection for the standard steel embedded concrete exposed to sea water and brackish mud. Surface morphology of the samples after subjected to corrosion was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and anode capacity test (efficiency test). The results revealed that sample with the composition of 95.6% of aluminum, 3.83% of zinc, and 0.19% of stannum showed the best performance hence it was selected for cathodic protection in brackish mud.
Microstructure of CuO Assisted Activated Carbon Adsorbent from Rubber Wood Sawdust Produced by Mechanochemical Processing
Authors: Sulaiman Muhammad Azwadi , Shamsuddin Mohd Shafiq , Nik Yusoff Nik Raihan , Yusoff Mahani , Subki Noor Syuhadah
Published: September 2017

A series of single carbon source and metal oxide assisted carbon source were prepared by mechanochemical process followed by carbothermal reduction which obtained via the reaction between activated carbon (AC) from rubber wood sawdust (Havea brasiliensis) and CuO precussor. Microstructure of the single AC and CuO assisted AC (CuO-AC) has been studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The products were further characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis (TG and DTA). A significant difference of the microstructure between AC and CuO-AC samples were observed in FESEM micrograph. The micrograph of single AC in indicates porous structure with numerous pores present due to dehydration of volatile matters. Milling process and reduction of CuO by AC has contributed to the increasing formation of porous structure with nanopore size ranging from 100-200 nm. TG and DTA results revealed that single AC and CuO-AC have a significant difference in thermal decomposition and stability. Doping of CuO to AC has affected the exothermic and endothermic reaction of the samples. These were further being clarified by X-ray diffraction where phase analysis is studied. It was found that the addition of CuO to AC brought a significant increase in the degree of crystallinity which is accompanied by mechanochemical process followed by carbothermal reduction to produce Cu. Incomplete reduction also cause the formation of Cu2O. Production of CuO-AC were successfully characterized and revealed the potential enhancement for waste treatment.
The Effect of Addition of Polysaccharide Materials on the Morphology of Freeze Fracture Surface of Natural Rubber Latex Films
Authors: Azura A. Rashid , Misman Muhamad Afiq
Published: September 2017

Sago starch, amylose and amylopectin were used as fillers in natural rubber (NR) latex compounds. The compound was prevulcanized at 80 °C until chloroform number 2-3 was achieved. The effect of the fillers on the NR latex film mechanical properties (tensile properties and tear strength), and crosslink density were obtained. The fractured surface of the films was captured via scanning electron microscope (SEM) Zeiss Supra 35 VP. The results shown the addition of fillers reduced the tensile strength and elongation at break of the NR latex films but increased in the films tear strength. The swelling index of the films increased, indicating lower crosslink density possessed by the polysaccharide filled films. From the SEM micrograph, the addition of sago starch and amylose produced an uneven freeze fractured surface similar to the control starch films. Meanwhile, for films reinforced with amylopectin, the smooth surface is obtained indicating poor interfacial adhesion between filler and NR latex matrix.
Processibility and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Epoxy as Reactive Plasticizer of Polyetherimide
Authors: Marzuki Nasuha , Mohd Alias Muhamad Amirul Ashraf , Rusli Arjulizan , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: September 2017

A relatively new way to improve processibility thermoplastics is via the use of crosslinkable monomers which can act as reactive plasticizers and reduce the viscosity in the early stage of processing. The monomers can polymerize and phase separate during final stage of processing thus recovering the original thermoplastics properties. In this work, the applicability of epoxy as reactive plasticizer for polyetherimide (PEI) was investigated. The properties of PEI/epoxy blends without and with curative were studied in order to determine the effect of the monomer on the processibility of the PEI and the thermo-mechanical properties of cured blends. Differential Scanning Calorimetry on blends without curative indicated single glass transition temperature (Tg) at high PEI content suggesting miscibility of the system and plasticization of PEI in the presence of epoxy while cured blends indicated two Tg due to phase separation. Scanning electron microscopy of the cured blends indicated two phase morphology with PEI dispersed particles size increased in continuous epoxy matrix with increasing PEI (up to 30wt% PEI). In blends with 40wt% PEI and more, phase inverted morphology was observed where increasing PEI content caused reduction of epoxy particle size in continuous PEI matrix.
Effect of Hydrothermal Treatment in Calcium Phosphate Solution on SUS304 Substrate
Authors: Nur Faiqa Mohamed Niza , Ahmad Nurazreena
Published: September 2017

SUS 304 stainless steel is known to be a biocompatible material and is widely used as screws or plates. However, issues regarding iron ion release after implantation become a concern which limits the application of SUS304. Therefore, to overcome these shortcomings, surface modification on SUS304 by forming calcium layer is needed to disable iron release from the substrate and also to encourage cell attachment. In this study, initially SUS 304 substrate are subjected to electrolysis process in sodium chloride solution to form pitting corrosion. These pitting corrosion will give the anchoring effect for the calcium ions to attach. Then the substrate are subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 200°C in calcium phosphate solution for 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours for deposition of calcium ions on the pitted SUS304 surface. Surface morphology observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that the calcium ions were deposited on the surface of the SUS304 substrate regardless hydrothermal treatment time. Rockwell hardness values shows that as hydrothermal treatment time increased the hardness value decreases. Therefore, hydrothermal treatment method enables the deposition of calcium ions layer on the surface of SUS304 which will inhibit the release of iron ions and enhanced bone attachment with the implant due to the bonding of the calcium ions with the bone.
The Effects of Deposition Time and Seed Layer on Morphological Properties of Zinc Oxide by Chemical Bath Deposition
Authors: Yusof Hamid Mohd Rashid , Abdul Hamid Sharifah Bee O.A. , Ong Boon Hoong
Published: September 2017

In this work, chemical bath deposition (CBD) method is used to form zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film nanostructures. Three types of zinc (Zn) precursors, namely Zn (NO3)2, ZnSO4 and ZnCl2, were used and the deposition time in water bath were controlled for 20, 40 and 60 minutes at 85 °C respectively. The effect of seed layer, by using potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution, on the formation of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on glass substrates has been determined. It was found that the presence of the seed layer promote better adhesion of the films which allows ZnO to form with a higher growth rate on the substrate with only little or no loss by precipitation in the solution. The enhancement of the thin film adhesion is due to the in situ nucleation centres formation of hydrated oxide colloids of Mn (O)OH, acting as metal ion binding centres on the glass substrates surface. Meanwhile, in the absence of a seed layer, only scattered ZnO deposits are formed on substrates. By varying the deposition time, ZnO nanostructures with different length and diameter can be formed.
Crystallization Kinetics and Morphology of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Ethylene Acrylate Copolymer Blends
Authors: Razaina Mat Taib , Tham Cho Yin
Published: September 2017

Isothermal crystallization kinetics and morphology of Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/ethylene acrylate copolymer (EAC) blends were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) at various temperatures (95–125°C). The DSC data obtained was analyzed using the Avrami equation. The crystallization rate was found to depend on the crystallization temperature (Tc) and EAC content. At a given Tc, the crystallization rate value was greater in the blends than in PLA suggesting that the presence of EAC enhanced crystallization of PLA. Based on the DSC analysis the crystallization rate was maximum when PLA blend with 1 wt.% EAC was isothermally crystallized at 103°C. The presence of EAC did not significantly change in the spherulitic growth rate (G) of PLA. Analysis of the growth rates using the Lauritzen-Hoffman theory showed that a regime II to regime III transition was present for all PLA/EAC blends and that this transition occurred at temperature of 100°C. The fold surface energy values of PLA/EAC blends were lower than that of PLA indicating that PLA chains can readily fold onto the crystal nucleus surface after the incorporation of EAC.
Mechanical Properties of Hydroxyapatite Reinforced 45S5
Authors: Ibrahim Nurul Farhana , Mohamad Hasmaliza , Mohd Noor Siti Noor Fazliah , Ahmad Nurazreena
Published: September 2017

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has similar constituent with natural bone mineral and is able to evoke apatite formation on the bone interface. Similarly, bioactive glass (BG) such as 45S5 has the ability to induce bone formation when exposed to physiological environment. However, both materials have drawbacks in mechanical properties such as brittleness and low compressive strength. Hence, HA-BG composite has potential for enhance properties. The current work aims to assess the effects of BG addition in HA system focusing on mechanical properties.
Effect of Particle Size of Cordierite Powder on Pore Structure of Porous Cordierite
Authors: Mokhtar Ahmad Kamil Fakhruddin , Mohamad Hasmaliza
Published: September 2017

Porous cordierite is among the special porous ceramic due to its extensive properties. In this research, porous cordierite was fabricated through gelcasting method. A mixture of raw materials (SiO2, Al2O3 and MgO) was melted at 1550 °C followed by quenching in water to produce a glass. Then the formed glass powder were milled for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 hours to obtain various particle sizes of cordierite powder. Cordierite powder produced was then used to prepare 3-D porous cordierite ceramic using gelcasting method. The cordierite pellets were characterized. Surface morphology was analysed via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to observe the pore structure of porous cordierite formed from powder with various particle sizes.
Influence of Catalyst in Synthesizing Brookite Thin Film Coating
Authors: Johari Nur Dalilah , Mohd Rosli Zulkifli , Mohd Juoi Jariah , Musa Muharniza Azinita
Published: September 2017

Brookite is the least known titanium dioxide (TiO2) crystallographic phases compare to anatase and rutile. In a sol-gel process, very few works are devoted on synthesizing pure brookite as a thin film coating and usually brookite co-exist with anatase and rutile as a byproduct. This study is performed as an attempt to produce brookite thin film coating via sol-gel dipping method. In this study, the influence of catalyst type on TiO2 phases, morphology and grain size were investigated. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is used for an acid catalyst and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used as base catalyst. All of the TiO2 films were deposited on a glass substrate and heated at four different temperatures of 400°C, 450°C, 500°C and 550°C for 3 hours. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is employed to analyze the phases and the grain size acquired. Images on the surface morphology are obtained with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results showed that brookite phase exist only for base catalyst with a grain size of 27.40 nm for all of the selected temperatures except at 550°C. SEM results revealed that the surface morphology of the deposited TiO2 film with base catalyst comprised of agglomerated particle networks. In contrast, the surface morphology of the deposited TiO2 film with acid catalyst seems more compact and uniform with an XRD pattern of amorphous-like characteristic having grain size of less than 3 nm.
Microstructural Study of Newly Designed Ti-6Al-1Fe Alloy through Deformation
Authors: Abdalla Ayad Omran , Amrin Astuty , Mohammad Roslina , Azmah Hanim M.A.
Published: September 2017

Recently, iron (Fe) is introduced to substitute vanadium (V) in Ti-alloy. Therefore, new (α+β) titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-1Fe was designed through a complete replacement of V by Fe with major composition modifications of Ti-6Al-4V. This new alloy is believed could provide similar properties of Ti-6Al-4V through modification of its microstructures. Different heat treatments can lead to a diversity of microstructural permutations and combinations. Thus, it is very crucial to study in-depth understanding about the microstructure of Ti-6Al-1Fe. Results reveal that the microstructure of as-received alloy is a typical fine lamellar microstructure. The bi-modal microstructure can be obtained by hot rolling below beta-transus temperature (Tβ) followed by recrystallization treatment at 925°C. While cold rolling followed by recrystallization treatment at 925°C produce equiaxed microstructure.
Influence of Hydroxyl and Carboxyl Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube and Filler Loading on the Tensile Properties of Epoxy Composites
Authors: Junaidi Ervina , Jaafar Mariatti , Sinin Hamdan
Published: September 2017

In this study, three various types of fillers; pristine multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), hydroxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-OH) and carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT-COOH) were used to prepare epoxy (EP) composites via ultrasonication and casting techniques. The effect of pristine MWCNT and functionalized MWCNT (MWCNT-OH and MWCNT-COOH) and fillers loading (0-1.0 vol%) on tensile properties of EP composites were investigated and compared. To identify the effectiveness of functional groups on the EP composites, the MWCNT, MWCNT-OH and MWCNT-COOH were compared through tensile testing. The addition of pristine MWCNT decreased the material’s tensile strength and modulus, while the addition of MWCNT-OH decreased the material’s tensile strength. However, among the EP composites, the 0.4 vol% MWCNT-COOH/EP composite exhibited a 12.80% increase in tensile strength (44 MPa). The tensile modulus of 0.4 vol% MWCNT-OH/EP and MWCNT-COOH/EP composites were found to be significantly higher compared to unfilled epoxy which were approximately 15.60% (2376 MPa) and 18.54% (2436 MPa) respectively. In conclusion, the MWCNT-COOH/EP composite showed slight improvement in both the tensile strength and modulus. The effect of functionalized MWCNT was supported by morphological analysis, which demonstrated an improvement in MWCNT-COOH dispersion with slightly fine agglomerates particles at 0.4 vol%.
Fabrication of PEDOT:PSS/Graphene Conductive Ink Printed on Flexible Substrate
Authors: Eawwiboonthanakit Netnapa , Jaafar Mariatti , Ahmad Zulkifli , Ohtake Naoto , Lila Banhan
Published: September 2017

Nowadays, flexible electronic is an important technology to produce flexible electronic devices due to it offers the attractive features such as possibility of product types and designs, with reducing size and weight, and low cost. Poly (3,4-ethelenedioxythiophene):poly (stylenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a conductive polymer which possess high conductivity, high electrochemical, and low redox potential. PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:PSS/Graphene (GP)/Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) conductive ink ware deposited on Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible substrate using desktop inkjet printer. Conductivity and thickness of conductive pattern at 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 layers were investigated in this study. It is observed that sheet resistivity of the conductive pattern is influenced by number of printed layers. Addition of GP at 20 layers of PEDOT:PSS/GP/DMSO conductive pattern exhibits the lowest sheet resistivity at 44 ohm/sq compared to PEDOT:PSS conductive pattern of 1.81×104 ohm/sq.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Novel Chitosan-Hydroxyapatites Composites Doped with Zinc
Authors: Abdullahi Ismaila , Zainol Ismail
Published: September 2017

The synthesis of a novelzinc doped chitosan-hydroxyapatite (chitosan-HAp) composite was done viain situ co-precipitation method. FTIR results showed that zinc is incorporated into the composite formed and is less crystalline compared to the pure hydroxyapatite (HAp). XRD results obtained showed that the incorporation of zinc into the lattice of the chitosan-HAp led to changes in the crystallinity, crystallite size and lattice constant of the composite material. FESEM images of the samples revealed that the novel material has a morphological features that resemble that of bone mineral.
Characterization of Nanocrystalline Cellulose Isolated from Empty Fruit Bunch Using Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Gan Pei Gie , Ting Sam Sung , bin Abdullah Muhammad Faiq , bin Zulkepli Nik Noriman , Yeong Yin Fong
Published: September 2017

In recent years, there has been a great interest in the production of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) due to its excellent properties. In this study, empty fruit bunch (EFB) was used as the material for the production of NCC due to its high cellulose content, inexpensive and readily-available source. NCC was prepared using acid hydrolysis at 62% for 1 hours. The morphology of NCC was determined by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The size of NCC was less than 50 nm in width. The obtained NCC was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR spectra analysis showed that hemicellulose and lignin were mostly removed from the EFB after bleaching and alkaline pre-treatment. XRD diffractograms revealed that EFB nanocellulose showed a crystallinity improvement of 24.3% compared to raw EFB cellulose.
The Effect of Heating Rate and Temperature on Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of β-TCP by Microwave Sintering
Authors: Mangkonsu Chuthathip , Mohd Noor Ahmad Fauzi , Lila Banhan , Masakazu Kawashita
Published: September 2017

This aim of this work was to evaluate the influences of the heating rates and sintering temperatures for sintering β-TCP by microwave furnace. In the first part of work, the heating rates used for sintering β-TCP were including 10, 20, 30 and 40°C/min. Results from physical and mechanical analysis shown that the optimum properties were shown by samples produced at heating rate of 30°C/min. In the second part of the study, the heating rate of 30°C/min was continuing used to sintering samples by different temperatures (1200°C, 1250°C and 1300°C). The sintered sample at 1200°C presented the optimum properties in the physical and mechanical analysis. Finally, the sintered samples by the heating rate 30°C/min at 1200°C were in immersed in SBF to confirm the bioactivity property of β-TCP.
Hydrothermal Growth of 1D ZnO Nanorods Thin Films for Hydrogen Gas Production through Water Splitting Reaction
Authors: Chia Mei Yuen , Chiu Wee Siong , Hasnan Noor Haniza Mohd , Khiew Poi Sim , Hamid Muhammad Azmi Abdul
Published: September 2017

Current study aims to control the growth of vertically aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) arrays on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate with tuneable diameter and length by using hydrothermal method. FESEM result shows that the diameter of NRs are tuneable from 95 nm to 107 nm and its length can be varied from 2.0 μm to 5.0 μm by prolonging the synthesis duration. According to FESEM images, extent the synthesis duration renders denser NRs occupancy. XRD result reveals that the NRs have prefer orientation along 002 direction, which is distinguishly different from relative peak intensity of standard ZnO. The NRs are employed as photocatalyst thin film to produce hydrogen gas (H2) via photocatalytic water splitting reaction.
The Besrour Papers: Seeking evidence for family medicine
Authors: Ponka David
Published: September 2017

Abstract not available.
The relationship between lower limb muscle strength and lower extremity function in HIV disease
Authors: Mhariwa Peter C. , Myezwa Hellen , Galantino Mary L. , Maleka Douglas
Published: September 2017

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negatively impacts muscle strength and function. This study aimed to establish the relationship between lower limb muscle strength and lower extremity function in HIV disease.Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with a sample of 113 HIV-positive participants. Lower limb muscle strength and self-reported function were established using dynamometry and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), respectively. Muscle strength and functional status were established in a subset of 30 HIV-negative participants to determine normative values.Results: Muscle strength for participants with HIV ranged from an ankle dorsiflexion mean of 9.33 kg/m2 to 15.79 kg/m2 in hip extensors. In the HIV-negative group, ankle dorsiflexors recorded 11.17 kg/m2, whereas hip extensors were the strongest, generating 17.68 kg/m2. In the HIV-positive group, linear regression showed a positive relationship between lower limb muscle strength and lower extremity function (r = 0.71, p = 0.00). Fifty per cent of the changes in lower extremity function were attributable to lower limb muscle strength. A simple linear regression model showed that lower limb ankle plantar flexors contributed the most to lower extremity function in this cohort, contrary to the literature which states that hip and trunk muscles are the most active in lower limb functional activities.Conclusion: Lower extremity strength impacts perceived function in individuals stabilised on antiretroviral therapy for HIV disease. These findings demonstrate that ankle plantar flexors produce more force over hip flexors. Careful attention should be paid to the implications for strength training in this population.
Age-Related Alteration of Risk Profile, Inflammatory Response, and Angiographic Findings in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Badran Hala Mahfouz , Elnoamany Mohamed Fahmy , Khalil Tarek Salah , Eldin Mostafa Mohamed Ezz
Published: September 2017

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major public health problem which in turn imposes a significant burden on health care systems because of high morbidity and mortality. Although the multifactorial etiology of CAD increases with age, but in recent years, the incidence is increasing among younger age groups.

Objectives

In this study we aimed to evaluate the effect of age on risk profile, inflammatory response and the angiographic findings in patients with ACS.

Patients and Methods

The study comprised 253 ACS patients. Seventy six (30%) with UA, 56 (22%) with NSTEMI and 121(48%) with STEMI diagnosis. The value of Hs-CRP, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, risk factors, EF% and angiographic score were analyzed and compared in different age groups.

Results

Group 1 (n = 68) with age <45 years, group II (n = 110) with age ≥45-<65 years and group III (n = 75) ≥65 years. Group I had more prevalence of male sex, smoking, family history, hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of HDL (P < 0.01), higher incidence of STEMI (P < 0.01) and lower prevalence of UA (P < 0.01). Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and female gender were more common in older groups. Hs-CRP was significantly lower in the young age (group I). Group I showed a preponderance of single-vessel disease, lower coronary atherosclerotic score and prevalent left anterior descending artery (LAD) involvement compared with older age groups. Hs-CRP was positively correlated to severity of CAD only in older groups. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age, male gender, cardiac enzymes and EF% were common predictors of multivessel disease. Smoking was independent predictor in young patients <45 years while diabetes and Hs-CRP was the key predictor in older patient groups.

Conclusion

Young patients with ACS had different clinical, angiographic and biochemical profile. Hs-CRP peak concentration did not correlate with angiographic findings in young patients that could be attributed to different risk profile and discrete underlying mechanism.
Improvement of Young and Elderly Patient's Knowledge of Heart Failure after an Educational Session
Authors: Roncalli Jérôme , Perez Laurence , Pathak Atul , Spinazze Laure , Mazon Sandrine , Lairez Olivier , Curnier Daniel , Fourcade Joëlle , Elbaz Meyer , Carrié Didier , Puel Jacques , Fauvel Jean-Marie , Galinier Michel
Published: September 2017

Background

Interest in the role of patient education sessions for optimizing the management of heart failure (HF) is increasing. We determined whether improvements in young and elderly patients' knowledge of HF and self-care behavior could be analyzed by administering a knowledge test before and after an educational session.

Methods

Stable heart failure patients (n = 115) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study from our Heart Failure educational centre in a university hospital. Patient knowledge of six major HF-related topics was assessed via a questionnaire distributed once before an educational session and twice afterward. Each answer was assigned a numerical value and the final score for each topic could range from 0 to 20. Scores ≥ 15/20 were considered representative of a good level of knowledge.

Results

The level of knowledge was low (9.7/20) before the educational session but was significantly higher (16.3/20) during the 1st quarter after the session, and this benefit was maintained for up to 12 months (16.6/20). Knowledge levels increased in both younger and elderly patients, and the number of patients who had a good level of knowledge also increased after the educational session.

Conclusion

This study confirms that an HF knowledge test is feasible and that educational sessions improve the knowledge and self-management of both younger and elderly patients.
Complete Recovery of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy from Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Gaddam Sainath , Pablani Lata , Chainani Vinod , Kavuda Ravi Raj , Nagrani Tarun , Rjaili Georges Abou , Dhar Meekoo , Lafferty James C
Published: September 2017

A 50 year old male HIV patient on antiretroviral therapy was admitted for chest pain. Upon admission, the patient was found to have elevated cardiac enzymes, acute thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, acute pancreatitis and acute renal failure. The patient was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/haemolytic uremic syndrome and emergency plasma exchange therapy was initiated along with aspirin, beta-blockers, steroids, and antiretroviral therapy. Patient responded well and demonstrated complete resolution of ischemic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction improving from 35% to 55% by the time of discharge. Essentially, prompt diagnosis and treatment can reverse cardiac damage induced by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Assessment of Myocardial Scar; Comparison between 18F-FDG PET, CMR and 99Tc-Sestamibi
Authors: Crean Andrew , Khan Sadia N. , Davies L. Ceri , Coulden Richard , Dutka David P.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Patients with heart failure and ischaemic heart disease may obtain benefit from revascularisation if viable dysfunctional myocardium is present. Such patients have an increased operative risk, so it is important to ensure that viability is correctly identified. In this study, we have compared the utility of 3 imaging modalities to detect myocardial scar.

Design

Prospective, descriptive study.

Setting

Tertiary cardiac centre.

Patients

35 patients (29 male, average age 70 years) with coronary artery disease and symptoms of heart failure (>NYHA class II).

Intervention

Assessment of myocardial scar by 99Tc-Sestamibi (MIBI), 18F-flurodeoxyglucose (FDG) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Outcome Measure

The presence or absence of scar using a 20-segment model.

Results

More segments were identified as nonviable scar using MIBI than with FDG or CMR. FDG identified the least number of scar segments per patient (7.4 +/- 4.8 with MIBI vs. 4.9 +/- 4.2 with FDG vs. 5.8 +/- 5.0 with CMR, p = 0.0001 by ANOVA). The strongest agreement between modalities was in the anterior wall with the weakest agreement in the inferior wall. Overall, the agreement between modalities was moderate to good.

Conclusion

There is considerable variation amongst these 3 techniques in identifying scarred myocardium in patients with coronary disease and heart failure. MIBI and CMR identify more scar than FDG. We recommend that MIBI is not used as the sole imaging modality in patients undergoing assessment of myocardial viability.
Vehicle Idle Gear Rattle Evaluation Procedure
Authors:   Truck and Bus Powertrain Committee
Published: September 2017

This SAE Standard describes a procedure to be used to evaluate a disturbance known as “idle gear rattle” which can exist in vehicles equipped with manual transmissions and clutches. Other types of noises associated with operation at idle are also briefly described.
Fetal Foot Length and Its Sonographic Correlation with Gestational Age
Authors: Hemraj Sandhya , Acharya Devdas K , Abraham Sally M , Vinayaka US , Ravichandra G
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Accurate assessment of gestational age and fetal growth using ultrasound is imperative in providing good quality antenatal and perinatal care. It provides a noninvasive reliable estimate of the gestational age and serves as a baseline upon which interval fetal growth can be assessed throughout pregnancy.

Aim

The present study was undertaken to assess the relationship between gestational age and fetal foot length and to derive a nomogram correlating gestational age in weeks with fetal foot length.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted on 300 pregnant women between 18 and 39 weeks of gestation after obtaining their written informed consent. Our inclusion criteria were women with singleton pregnancies who were certain of their last menstrual periods; who had previous regular menstrual cycles; who had undergone a fi rst trimester dating scan; who had a normal anomaly scan; and with normal amniotic fl uid volume. Each patient underwent a detailed antenatal ultrasound study in which, in addition to routine fetal biometry, each fetal foot length was measured. In each fetus, the measurements of the two feet were averaged for analytical purpose. For each gestational age, the fetal foot length was calculated from the raw data and linear regression analysis was used to establish a relationship between sonographic gestational age and fetal foot length. The p value was also calculated to estimate the level of signifi cance.

Results

Our study demonstrated a strong statistically significant linear relationship between gestational age and fetal foot length during the second and third trimesters of gestation.

How to cite this article

Hemraj S, Acharya DK, Abraham SM, Vinayaka US, Ravichandra G. Fetal Foot Length and Its Sonographic Correlation with Gestational Age. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(2):141-145.

Confl ict of interest: None
Indice de Shock: ¿Puede Predecir La Necesidad de Cirugia de Conrol de Daños En Trauma Penetrante?
Authors: Badiel Marisol , Orozco Viviana , Ossa Paola , Escobar Sara S , Cevallos Cecibel , García Mónica AM
Published: September 2017

Introducción

Valores elevados del Índice de Shock (IS) se han asociado con un incremento en la mortalidad y con la necesidad de requerimiento de transfusiones masivas en pacientes traumatizados, pero su habilidad para identificar pacientes que requieran Cirugía de Control de Daños (CCD) es desconocida. El objetivo de este estudio fue identifica un punto de corte del IS para predecir necesidad de CCD en pacientes con trauma penetrante.

Materials y métodos

Estudio retrospectivo por un periodo de 10 años que incluyo todos los pacientes adultos que ingresaron por trauma penetrante de torso a un Centro de Trauma de referencia. El IS fue calculado al ingreso y los pacientes se dividieron en los que necesitaron CCD y los que no (No-CCD). Para determinar la exactitud del IS identificando pacientes que requirieron CCD se calculo el Área Bajo la Curva ROC (AUROC) del 95%.

Resultados

747 pacientes fueron incluidos, 92.3 % fueron hombres y el 80% sufrieron heridas por arma de fuego. El grupo de CCD tuvo un total de 331(44%) pacientes y el de No-CCD 416 (56%). La mediana de IS fue mayor en el grupo de CCD que en el de No-CCD (1.01 [0.76-1.5]) vs. 0.79 [0.64-1.00] (p=0.0001)). El área bajo la curva ROC fue de 0.69 [95% CI 0.69-0.77].

Conclusión

El IS puede ser en cierto grado indicativo de la necesidad de CCD en los pacientes con trauma penetrante de torso, sin embargo un punto específico de corte para predecir CCD no fue estadísticamente encontrado.

How to cite this article

Ordonez CA, Orozco V, Puyana JC, Parra M, Ossa P, Escobar SS, Cevallos C, Garcia A, Badiel M, García MAM. Indice de Shock: ¿Puede Predecir La Necesidad de Cirugia de Conrol de Daños En Trauma Penetrante? Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(2):72-76.
Panamerican Trauma Society: The First Three Decades
Authors: Aboutanos Michel
Published: September 2017

Panamerican Trauma Society was born 30 years ago with the mission of improving trauma care in the Americas by exchange of ideas and concepts and expanding knowledge of trauma and acute illness. The authors, immediate-past leaders of the organization, review the evolution of this assembly of diverse cultures and nationalities.

How to cite this article

Ivatury RR, Aboutanos M. Panamerican Trauma Society: The First Three Decades. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(2):90-123.
Policies and Procedures for Sound-alike and Look-alike Medications
Authors: Singh S , Singh Angel R
Published: September 2017

The sound-alike and look-alike (SALA) drug is one of the most common causes of medication error and is of fear globally. Thus, the probability for error due to confusing drug names is very high. The SALA drug names have become a significant challenge to pharmacists, nurses, patients, and doctors. With thousands of drugs currently on the market, the probability for error is significant. The purpose of this article is to formulate a policy that would help in minimizing medication errors arising with the use of SALA medications.

How to cite this article

Singh S, Singh AR. Policies and Procedures for Sound-alike and Look-alike Medications. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2017;5(1):15-20.
Analyzing Competencies of Indian Health Care Leaders: Way Forward for Next Generation
Authors: Kant S , Gupta Shakti K , Patnaik SK , Pillay R
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Indian health care is experiencing a paradigm shift in terms of requirement of resources and changing demographic patterns. The customer-oriented and quality-conscious competitive environment has intensified the need for health care organizations to attain higher levels of organizational performance. Competencies of health care leaders play a pivotal role in deciding the organizations’ way forward and competencies are the cornerstone of organizational performance and quality standards. A cross-sectional study of select health care leaders of India was done from various hospitals and other health delivery agencies to identify and analyze the gaps in competencies.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was planned amidst health care leaders of India so as to assess their leadership competencies. Health care leaders of India were identified after focused group discussion and senior health care leaders, such as directors, deans, CEOs, and principals were shortlisted for this study. Two structured questionnaires were administered to health care leaders of various hospitals in India. The ratings in the questionnaire were on a Likert scale ranging from very poor to excellent. Respondents were asked to self-evaluate various competencies and the same were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistical software. Interpretation of results of data analysis was done.

Results

A total of 300 questionnaires were sent of which 106 questionnaires were completed and returned by select health care leaders. About 78 were doctors and 28 were nursing executives. The study has been able to identify deficiencies in the perceived “existing competency” and “required competency” levels in the selected competencies.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that there is deficiency in perceived “existing competency” and “required competency” levels in the selected competencies of health care leaders. Indian health care leaders are operating at operational levels and have not graded themselves highly in transformational roles. There is a need for training to bridge the competency gap of Indian health care leaders.

How to cite this article

Patnaik SK, Gupta SK, Kant S, Pillay R. Analyzing Competencies of Indian Health Care Leaders: Way Forward for Next Generation. Int J Res Foundation Hosp Healthc Adm 2017;5(1):47-53.
A Comprehensive Review on Śākavarga-group of Vegetables from Classical Texts of Ayurveda
Authors: Naik Raghavendra , Borkar Sneha D , Acharya Rabinarayan
Published: September 2017

Aim:

To have a comprehensive review on classification, good collection practices, number, importance, adverse effects, possible botanical identity, and different indications of classical vegetables from 15 different classical texts and lexicons and to present them in a systemic manner.

Background:

Vegetables are an integral part of healthy diet since the Vedic era. For the past few decades, there is a growing interest in assessing the role of vegetables for their health benefits. In various classical texts of Ayurveda, all the vegetables are detailed under a single group termed as śākavarga where the properties and indication of individual plant were described. Authors of classical texts of Ayurveda described the nutritional as well as therapeutic value of all the vegetables in their respective texts. These information have not been critically reviewed and published in a compiled format. A systematic review regarding the identification and use of these classical vegetables is the need of the time.

Review results:

Analysis of data reveals that about 308 śākadravya (vegetables) are described in classical texts. Among them, 156 patraśāka (leafy vegetables), 71 phalaśāka (fruit vegetables), 50 kandaśāka (tuber/root), 30 puspaśāka (flower vegetables), 10 nālaśāka (stem/aerial parts), and one type of samsvedaja śāka (mushrooms) are described.

Conclusion:

Vegetables described under śākavarga in classical texts of Ayurveda can be further studied to understand the mechanism of action to establish their dietetic importance.

Clinical significance:

These vegetables are indicated in 42 different disease conditions where they can be used as pathya (wholesome diet). Some contraindications and precautions to be taken during collection and preparations of the śākadravya are also explained in many of the classical texts.
De dubbele subjectiviteit van het geweten en noodzaak van toetsing van gewetensbezwaren
Authors: Musschenga Bert
Published: September 2017

The double subjectivity of conscience and the need to test conscientious objections

In spite of the collapse of the traditional objective concept of conscience and the subsequent subjectivation of conscience, conscientious objections are still often considered as a valid ground for exemption from legal and professional obligations. Conscientious objections are seen as more serious than ordinary moral objections. It is not evident why this is so. I argue, with Niklas Luhmann, that the function of conscience is to protect the moral core of a person’s identity. Overruling conscientious objections threatens this core. Claims of conscience are usually founded on the right of freedom of conscience. This right is not absolute. I discuss the view of Richard Arneson who rejects the right of freedom of conscience and defends the right against conscience. I agree with Arneson that, at the one hand, conscientious objectors may constitute a threat to the social and legal order when their objections are not recognised and, at the other hand, too easy giving in to conscientious objections may also threaten the viability of social and legal order. That is why it is needed to determine when conscientious objections cannot be taken at face value, but should be subjected to a series of tests. The aim of these tests is to contain the number of objectors. I discuss 6 criteria for determining whether conscientious objections ground an exemption to legal and professional obligations. At the end of the article I discuss the conscientious objections of medical doctors.
Gewetensbezwaren en de grenzen van verticale tolerantie in de liberale staat
Authors: Smet Stijn
Published: September 2017

Conscientious objection and the limits of vertical toleration in the liberal state

Liberal states tend to tolerate certain conscientious objectors, but not others. They tolerate doctors who conscientiously refuse to perform abortions, but do not extend the same toleration to civil servants who conscientiously refuse to register same-sex marriages. In this article, I analyse the attitude of liberal states to different claims of conscience in terms of vertical toleration, and its limits. Contrary to a prevailing political theoretical argument, I submit that there is space for vertical toleration – that is, toleration by the state – in the contemporary liberal state. Yet, this space is limited. It only opens up when individuals’ practices prima facie contravene core liberal values. Whenever that is not the case, as with conscientious objection to military service, the lens of vertical toleration is not the appropriate one. But in relation to other claims of conscience, such as of doctors against abortion, the attitude of liberal states can be described in terms of vertical toleration. The practice finally reveals that certain conscientious objectors, particularly civil servants who refuse to register same-sex marriages, are not tolerated by the liberal state. Their practices exceed the limits of vertical toleration. This article explains why the prevailing practice in liberal states, as described, gets it right.
Being an Indonesian feminist in the North
Authors: Adriany Vina , Pirmasari Desy Ayu , Satiti Nur Latifah Umi
Published: September 2017

This essay adopts a collaborative autoethnography to unpack our experiences as Indonesian researchers and feminists during our study in a country in the Global North; the UK. In spite of the fact that Global North feminisms have expanded our understanding of gender issues, we cannot help but sometimes feel marginalised and invisible within these theories because, very often, they merely discuss the experiences of women in the North and homogenise the experiences of women in the South. Drawing on postcolonial theories, this essay explores our negotiation of identities as we attempt to decolonise such experiences.
Contesting the imperial agenda. Respelling hopelessness
Authors: Heinemann Alisha M.B. , do Mar Castro Varela María
Published: September 2017

Actual hegemonic structures are imperial structures. They rely on the oppression and marginalisation of all of those who are produced and marked as the Other. Considering the profound impact of the epistemic violence that was deployed to build empires, it comes as no surprise that, to be able to decolonise the university, it will not be enough to change the curricula, to challenge the canon, to employ ‘diversity officers’, or to make the classroom more inclusive. Instead, this contribution proposes a deconstruction of the university and pleas for unlearning as a strategy that aims towards an epistemic change. Furthermore, in a deliberate attempt to save the unsalvageable – the European university – we call for the respelling of hopelessness.
Decolonising the classroom
Authors: Parker Patricia S. , Smith Sara H. , Dennison Jean
Published: September 2017

In this article, we draw from our experiences in designing and teaching a graduate-level course on decolonising methodologies at a research university in the southern United States. Recognising the university as a colonised space, the course aspires both to question received methodologies in the Social Sciences and Humanities and to make the classroom itself a site to model and engage with the unending work of decolonising knowledge production. Waves of scholarship have called for the decolonisation of the histories and knowledges that shored up colonisation – for the empire to ‘write back’. Yet when students of colour, women, or people from the Global South enter the academy as graduate students or junior faculty, that implicit otherness is often reinscribed upon their bodies and used to discount their lived experience, words, and research. We offer an analysis of the classroom as an important site for decolonising work, discuss the participative process used to plan and structure the decolonising methodologies course we developed, and trace three commitments that are crucial for decolonising the classroom: (a) practising radical openness in which the teachers are guided by the students’ experiences in the academy; (b) interrogating research norms as critical sites of entrenched colonising practices; and (c) creating spaces that foster the co-production of knowledge. We conclude with possibilities for decolonising the classroom, as well as the limitations.
Eliza Giffard and Her Books, 1797–2015: The Legacies of a Regency Library
Authors: Priddle Charlotte
Published: September 2017

This article follows the effort to recreate virtually the private library of Eliza Giffard, a female book collector whose period of activity coincided with dynamic changes in the publishing, distribution, and accessibility of books. The study of reading is largely reliant on examining traces of interactions between audience and book; such traces can range from intimate reading journals to simple ownership marks. Reconstructing Giffard's collection through the evidence left in her books uncovers not only the individual reading history of a single woman at the turn of the nineteenth century, but also the continued circulation of books after their dispersal and their movement from private to institutional collections over time. The project provides further evidence of the idiosyncratic histories of readers, and gives insight into the afterlives of books, collectors and libraries.
Libraries Are the Homes of Books: Whiteness in the Construction of School Libraries
Authors: Stauffer Suzanne M.
Published: September 2017

The bibliographic instructional work, The Children's Book on How to Use Books and Libraries, issued seven times between 1937 and 1973, utilized the metaphor of the library as the “home of books.” That “home” was constructed as a private, white, middle-class space in which children, who are invited guests, not residents, were expected to behave according to white, middle-class social norms and cultural values. The children depicted were uniformly white, able-bodied, and middle class as well. American cultural values such as individualism, competition, and pragmatism and utilitarianism were celebrated. This work critically analyzes the whiteness of the presentation, including the subtle ways in which white culture is promoted and supported as an institutional norm.