Calcification of the alar ligament mimics fracture of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ): an incidental finding from computerised tomography of the cervical spine following trauma

When performing a radiological assessment for a trauma case with associated head injury, a fragment of dense tissue detected near the craniovertebral junction would rapidly be assessed as a fractured bone fragment. However, if further imaging and evaluation of the cervical spine with computerised tomography (CT) did not demonstrate an obvious fracture, then the possibility of ligament calcification would be considered. We present a case involving a previously healthy 44-year old man who was admitted following a severe head injury from a road traffic accident. CT scans of the head showed multiple intracrania haemorrhages, while scans of the cervical spine revealed a small, well-defined, ovoid calcification in the right alar ligament. This was initially thought to be a fracture fragment. Although such calcification is uncommon, accident and emergency physicians and radiologists may find this useful as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with neck pain or traumatic head injury

Clinical assessment of watermarked medical images

Problem statement: Digital watermarking provides security to medical images. Watermarking in Region Of Interest (ROI) however distorts medical images but it is known that the resulting loss of fidelity is visually imperceptible. Approach: Clinical assessment will objectively evaluate the distortion on medical images to see whether or not medical diagnosis is altered. We used 75 medical images consisting of x-rays, ultrasound and CT scans. Digital watermarking was inserted in ROI and ROI/Region Of Non Interest (RONI) in all of them. Three assessors were randomly assigned 225 images, each receiving 75, a mixture of watermarked and non watermarked images. Results: Chi square test was used and p<0.05 was considered significant. There was no significant difference between original images and those watermarked in ROI or ROI/RONI. There was no comment on image quality in all the images assessed. Conclusion/Recommendations: Digital watermarking does not alter medical diagnosis when assessed by clinical radiologists. The quality of the watermarked images was also unchanged

Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Control Approach for a Single Inverted Pendulum System

The inverted pendulum is an under-actuated and nonlinear system, which is also unstable. It is a single-input double-output system, where only one output is directly actuated. This paper investigates a single intelligent control system using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to stabilize the inverted pendulum system while tracking the desired position. The non-linear inverted pendulum system was modelled and built using MATLAB Simulink. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy logic controller was implemented and its performance was compared with a Sugeno-fuzzy inference system in both simulation and real experiment. The ANFIS controller could reach its desired new destination in 1.5 s and could stabilize the entire system in 2.2 s in the simulation, while in the experiment it took 1.7 s to reach stability. Results from the simulation and experiment showed that ANFIS had better performance compared to the Sugeno-fuzzy controller as it provided faster and smoother response and much less steady-state error

Language learning strategies and learner autonomy in learning Japanese

The Japanese language is very popular among many youths as it is viewed as a means to secure better employment, in addition to understanding popular Japanese culture. Language learning strategies and learner autonomy are two key dimensions in learning Japanese as a foreign language. This study aims to identify language learning strategies used and perceived extent of learner autonomy among tertiary students in a Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) preparatory class. It also attempts to find the relationship between language learning strategies and learner autonomy in the context of learning Japanese in Malaysia. The results of the quantitative method show that the students are medium users of language learning strategies and possess learner autonomy extent at an average level. In addition, it is found that there is a high significant correlation between language learning strategies and learner autonomy in learning Japanese. It is hoped that this study could contribute towards more efficient and effective language learning process of Japanese language specifically and other foreign languages

Investigating Maturity State and Internal Properties of Fruits Using Non-destructive Techniques-a Review

The evaluation of internal condition of the fruit via destructive techniques mostly damaged the internal and external fruit structure. However, there are several non-destructive techniques available could be applied in the agricultural industry, specifically for observing internal fruit conditions. Different kinds of internal conditions of fruits are evaluated in terms of their quality and ripeness levels. These non-destructive techniques include fruit evaluation via ultrasonic measurement techniques, light spectroscopy, imaging via Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and X-Ray, computer vision, electric nose and also vibration. The capabilities and the effectiveness of these techniques towards fruit monitoring are thoroughly discussed. Besides, the drawback of these non-destructive technique has been analysed

The role of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in the direction of traumatic intra abdominal injury : our experience in Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan(HTAA), Kuantan, Pahang

Introduction: Blunt abdominal trauma can cause multiple injuries and these injuries are often difficult to be accurately evaluated via clinical assessment. Currently, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scan is the imaging modality of choice in assessing clinically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma. This study assessed the role of MSCT in the detection of traumatic intra abdominal injury and correlates the findings with subsequent patient’s management. Methodology This is a retrospective study approved by our institutional review board. All cases of CT scan performed to rule out traumatic intra abdominal injury from January 2008 until December 2009 was traced from the registration book. CT scan images were retrieved and reviewed. Analysis of findings was done and organ injuries were graded according to AAST (American Association of Surgery and Trauma). Case notes and surgical findings were reviewed for correlation with CT findings. Results There were 151 cases included in this study. Positive scan were seen in 130 patients (86.1%). Liver, spleen and renal injuries were seen in 40.8%, 33.8% and 26.2% of cases respectively. Laparotomies were performed in 42 patients from 130 positive scans (32.3%) and in 3 patients who had negative scan. Out of 45 patients who had undergone laparotomies, 10 patients had significant surgically injuries that were missed on CT scan findings. The injuries were bowel perforation (n=4), serosal tear of bowel (n=1), mesenteric injuries (n=2), spleen injury (n=1), liver injury (n=1) and laceration of broad ligaments with oozing of blood from ovarian artery (n=1). Conclusion CT scan is a useful tool in the evaluation of blunt abdominal injuries in haemodynamically stable patients especially in the detection of solid organ injuries and retroperitoneal haematoma. However assessment of bowel and mesenteric injury was not similarly effective in our study

Model-based hybrid variational level set method applied to lung cancer detection

The precise segmentation of lung lesions in computed tomography (CT) scans holds paramount importance for lung cancer research, offering invaluable information for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, achieving efficient detection and segmentation with acceptable accuracy proves to be challenging due to the heterogeneity of lung nodules. This paper presents a novel model-based hybrid variational level set method (VLSM) tailored for lung cancer detection. Initially, the VLSM introduces a scale-adaptive fast level-set image segmentation algorithm to address the inefficiency of low gray scale image segmentation. This algorithm simplifies the (Local Intensity Clustering) LIC model and devises a new energy functional based on the region-based pressure function. The improved multi-scale mean filter approximates the image’s offset field, effectively reducing gray-scale inhomogeneity and eliminating the influence of scale parameter selection on segmentation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed VLSM algorithm accurately segments images with both gray-scale inhomogeneity and noise, showcasing robustness against various noise types. This enhanced algorithm proves advantageous for addressing real-world image segmentation problems and nodules detection challenges

Validity and reliability analysis of the 'SayangKU' (MyLove) in intervention for addressing adolescents involved in free sex

A module entitled ‘SayangKU’ (MyLove), based on the Islamic perspective, was developed as an instrument to assist adolescents that involved in premarital sexual activity. The module comprises four phases: Love of God (Allah), Love of the Prophet, Love of Oneself, and Love of the Ummah (world). From analysis of Rasch, the value of item reliability was.80 and an individual reliability was.95. Dimensionality value was more than 40 % variance explained by measures, and level of agreement among experts was 86.88 %. The posttest shows the better result from pretest and proves the effectiveness of the module

Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of blunt abdominal trauma: incidental findings related to the genitourinary tract

Background: MSCT is currently the imaging modality of choice in the assessment of hemodynamically stable patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Widespread use of this modality can reveal incidental findings that vary in their importance, from trivial lesions to findings that may alter the management of these trauma patients. Objective: To determine the frequency of incidental findings related to the genitourinary tract at MSCT of blunt abdominal trauma and the effect of these findings on subsequent patient’s management. Material and Methods: MSCT examinations of blunt abdominal trauma in 151 consecutive patients within two years (2008-2009) were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data and incidental findings related to the genitourinary tract were recorded. The subsequent management of these findings was reviewed from patient’s case note. Results: Twenty one (13.9%) patients had incidental findings related to the genitourinary tract in 151 cases reviewed. Majority of them (n=18) do not require surgical intervention. However, in 3 of these 21 patients, surgical intervention was needed. Conclusion: Incidental findings related to the genitourinary tract in MSCT of blunt abdominal trauma were common. However, those requiring a surgical intervention are rare

MSCT of huge abdominopelvic masses in female: a pictorial illustration

Introduction: The differential diagnoses for huge abdominopelvic masses in female are extensive. Many of these masses arise from the reproductive organs such as uterus, cervix and ovaries. Majority represents the commonly encountered entities such as uterine fibroid, dermoid tumour, ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer. However, some of the masses may arise from other organs such as the gastrointestinal system, urinary system, adjacent soft tissue, retroperitoneum or from metastasis. With large mass, it is a challenge for radiologists to determine the site of origin and to differentiate between these tumours. Case series We retrospectively reviewed MSCT performed for huge abdominopelvic masses. The CT findings were correlated with intra-operative findings and final HPE report. This pictorial illustration emphasize on differential diagnosis of huge abdominopelvic masses. Conclusion Familiarity with clinico-pathologic and imaging features is important and helpful for correct image interpretation of common and uncommon abdominopelvic masses