Compressive Strength and Water Permeability Performance of Micronised Biomass Silica Concrete

Concrete is a common material that is widely used in construction industry. Cement is the main material component for producing concrete but its production has lead into CO2 emission. This work presents a study on Micronised Biomass Silica (MBS) that can be used as pozzolan material which can enhance the quality of concrete. The material can be produced from a by-product of biomass agricultural waste but for this study rice husk has been used. From the chemical analysis, MBS has a chemical composition that is fulfill the standard requirement for becoming pozzolan material. The result of MBS concrete shows that the MBS material can enhance the performance of concrete by increasing the compressive strength development and reducing the water permeability. The drawback of MBS is the workability of fresh concrete but can be rectify by using superplasticizer. By replacing up to 12% of cement, MBS material gives the highest performance in term of strength and permeability of the concrete

Properties of Cement Brick Containing Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) And Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA)

This paper assesses the mechanical properties of cement brick containing Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) and Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) as partial replacement of sand and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The aim of this research are to determine the mechanical properties of brick containing EPS and POFA as partial replacement of sand and OPC. The dosage for EPS replacement is 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% EPS whereas 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% of POFA replacement. The mechanical properties of the bricks are density, compressive strength and water absorption. The bricks with 30%, 40% and 50% EPS replacement have density below 1680 kg/m3 which considered as lightweight brick. The brick with 50% EPS replacement recorded lowest density which is 1328 kg/m3 while 1629 kg/m3 for the brick with  25% POFA replacement at 56-days of curing. The water absorption testing for these brick are between 7.20%-18.19%. Brick with 0% POFA and 50% EPS replacement has the lowest water absorption properties whereas brick with 25% POFA and 0% EPS replacement has the highest water absorption properties

Public awareness of the coronary artery disease and its risk factors in the population of Hail region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a severe cardiovascular complication prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The risk factors of this disease are so high that it became one of the major causes of mortality among middle-aged individuals. This study aimed to investigate the degree of awareness about risk factors for CAD among the Hail region population.  Methods: The study was carried out in the Hail region, Saudi Arabia, from April 2020 to May 2020. Data collected from five hundred and thirty-seven participants participated through an online survey. The process of selection of participants was through volunteer testing and an online review poll that was disseminated to them to complete. No limitations on age or sex were applied to the surveys.Results: Awareness of TV watching (88.5%), smoking (87.9%), lack of physical activities (78.4%) and family history of CAD (74.7%) as the leading cause of CAD has a notable higher percentage among the studied population whereas the family history of diabetes mellitus (51.6%), having diabetes mellitus (57.7%), family history of hypertension (65.7%) and family history of hyperlipidemia (69.1%) have the lowest percentages. Regarding the gender, the male participants have the poorest awareness degrees about risk factors for the CAD.Conclusion: The study revealed that the family history of hyperlipidemia, Family history of DM, having DM and family history of hypertension have the poorest degrees of awareness of the risk factors for CAD among the studied population.Keywords: Coronary artery disease; Risk factors; Awareness; Hail regio

Large expert-curated database for benchmarking document similarity detection in biomedical literature search

Document recommendation systems for locating relevant literature have mostly relied on methods developed a decade ago. This is largely due to the lack of a large offline gold-standard benchmark of relevant documents that cover a variety of research fields such that newly developed literature search techniques can be compared, improved and translated into practice. To overcome this bottleneck, we have established the RElevant LIterature SearcH consortium consisting of more than 1500 scientists from 84 countries, who have collectively annotated the relevance of over 180 000 PubMed-listed articles with regard to their respective seed (input) article/s. The majority of annotations were contributed by highly experienced, original authors of the seed articles. The collected data cover 76% of all unique PubMed Medical Subject Headings descriptors. No systematic biases were observed across different experience levels, research fields or time spent on annotations. More importantly, annotations of the same document pairs contributed by different scientists were highly concordant. We further show that the three representative baseline methods used to generate recommended articles for evaluation (Okapi Best Matching 25, Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency and PubMed Related Articles) had similar overall performances. Additionally, we found that these methods each tend to produce distinct collections of recommended articles, suggesting that a hybrid method may be required to completely capture all relevant articles. The established database server located at https://relishdb.ict.griffith.edu.au is freely available for the downloading of annotation data and the blind testing of new methods. We expect that this benchmark will be useful for stimulating the development of new powerful techniques for title and title/abstract-based search engines for relevant articles in biomedical research.Peer reviewe

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010–19: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND: Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. METHODS: The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk–outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. FINDINGS: Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4·45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4·01–4·94) deaths and 105 million (95·0–116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44·4% (41·3–48·4) of all cancer deaths and 42·0% (39·1–45·6) of all DALYs. There were 2·88 million (2·60–3·18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50·6% [47·8–54·1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1·58 million (1·36–1·84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36·3% [32·5–41·3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20·4% (12·6–28·4) and DALYs by 16·8% (8·8–25·0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34·7% [27·9–42·8] and 33·3% [25·8–42·0]). INTERPRETATION: The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden

Tocilizumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of tocilizumab in adult patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 with both hypoxia and systemic inflammation. Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]), is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. Those trial participants with hypoxia (oxygen saturation <92% on air or requiring oxygen therapy) and evidence of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein ≥75 mg/L) were eligible for random assignment in a 1:1 ratio to usual standard of care alone versus usual standard of care plus tocilizumab at a dose of 400 mg–800 mg (depending on weight) given intravenously. A second dose could be given 12–24 h later if the patient's condition had not improved. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with ISRCTN (50189673) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04381936). Findings: Between April 23, 2020, and Jan 24, 2021, 4116 adults of 21 550 patients enrolled into the RECOVERY trial were included in the assessment of tocilizumab, including 3385 (82%) patients receiving systemic corticosteroids. Overall, 621 (31%) of the 2022 patients allocated tocilizumab and 729 (35%) of the 2094 patients allocated to usual care died within 28 days (rate ratio 0·85; 95% CI 0·76–0·94; p=0·0028). Consistent results were seen in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including those receiving systemic corticosteroids. Patients allocated to tocilizumab were more likely to be discharged from hospital within 28 days (57% vs 50%; rate ratio 1·22; 1·12–1·33; p<0·0001). Among those not receiving invasive mechanical ventilation at baseline, patients allocated tocilizumab were less likely to reach the composite endpoint of invasive mechanical ventilation or death (35% vs 42%; risk ratio 0·84; 95% CI 0·77–0·92; p<0·0001). Interpretation: In hospitalised COVID-19 patients with hypoxia and systemic inflammation, tocilizumab improved survival and other clinical outcomes. These benefits were seen regardless of the amount of respiratory support and were additional to the benefits of systemic corticosteroids. Funding: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research

Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform trial

Background: Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Methods: This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 177 NHS hospitals from across the UK. Eligible and consenting patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either usual care alone (usual care group) or usual care plus high-titre convalescent plasma (convalescent plasma group). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936. Findings: Between May 28, 2020, and Jan 15, 2021, 11558 (71%) of 16287 patients enrolled in RECOVERY were eligible to receive convalescent plasma and were assigned to either the convalescent plasma group or the usual care group. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between the two groups: 1399 (24%) of 5795 patients in the convalescent plasma group and 1408 (24%) of 5763 patients in the usual care group died within 28 days (rate ratio 1·00, 95% CI 0·93–1·07; p=0·95). The 28-day mortality rate ratio was similar in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including in those patients without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at randomisation. Allocation to convalescent plasma had no significant effect on the proportion of patients discharged from hospital within 28 days (3832 [66%] patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 3822 [66%] patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·94–1·03; p=0·57). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at randomisation, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients meeting the composite endpoint of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death (1568 [29%] of 5493 patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 1568 [29%] of 5448 patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·93–1·05; p=0·79). Interpretation: In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, high-titre convalescent plasma did not improve survival or other prespecified clinical outcomes. Funding: UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research

PENYELESAIAN SENGKETA MEREK DAGANG KOPITIAM ANTARA KOPITIAM MELAWAN KOK TONG KOPITIAM YANG MELIBATKAN PERSATUAN PENGUSAHA KOPITIAM INDONESIA

Brands as one form of Intellectual Property Rights ( IPR ) or Intellectual Property Rights which have been used hundreds of years ago and have an important role in world trade, because the brand is used to distinguish the origin of the goods or services. In 2010 there were disputes over trademark rights of public concern about the brand �Kopitiam�. Starting in 2010 the owner of the registered mark �Kopitiam� Abdul Alek Soelystio perform lawsuit brands �Kok Tong Kopitiam� owned by Paimin Halim. Rights to a trademark dispute was very interesting, both from the process of application for registration of trademark and passing judgment by the Supreme Court on dispute settlement. Kopitiam is a combination of two words that involves a lot of culture. Tiam is a Hokkien word for shop. Most of the Chinese immigrants in Southeast Asia comes from the Hokkien province (Mandarin: Fujian) and already hundreds of years language and customs among them mixed Hokkien and Malay. Thus, no other means Kopitiam coffee shop. As a coffee shop business operators should not be allowed to use the word which is the description of the kinds of goods (traded), and is a generic word or public domain. Supreme Court decision No. 261 K/Ps.Sus/2011 this can result in losses coffee shop owner who uses the element coffee shop owner who uses the element name �Kopitiam� to be banned and they can�t use that marks anymore . It made Kopitiam entrepreneurs in Indonesia to form Kopitiam Indonesian Employers Association (PPKTI), in order to maintain the element name as a trademark Kopitiam their long life. Judge will turn a blind eye as meaning business �Kopitiam� itself , which should be considered in the decision of the judges is �Kopitiam� overall, ie in terms of logo, presentation, menu and flavor on offer, should not specialize word �Kopitiam� only to a business brand registered in advance

Effects of sintering temperature on the structure and electrochemical performance of Mg2SiO4 cathode materials

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of sintering temperature on the structure and electrochemical performance of Mg2SiO4 cathode materials using sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared analysis were used to study the structural properties of the materials. The temperatures applied in the sintering process influenced the structure, morphology, as well as particle size distribution of the Mg2SiO4. All samples sintered at temperatures of 900, 1000, and 1100 °C yielded pure Mg2SiO4 compounds consisting of orthorhombic crystalline phase with a space group of Pbnm. Particle size and lattice parameters of Mg2SiO4 samples increased with the increases of sintering temperature due to an increase of the nucleation and crystal growth rates. The cyclic voltammetry analysis showed the presence of redox reaction. This result shows that the Mg2SiO4 material has potential to be used as cathode materials in magnesium rechargeable batteries

Mg2−xMnxSiO4 compound obtained via sol–gel method: structural, morphological and electrochemical properties

Prospective cathode materials Mg2-xMnxSiO4 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) for magnesium-ion secondary battery were synthesized using sol gel method. Crystalline structure, morphology, particle size, electrical and electrochemical properties of the samples were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns of the materials exhibited no extra peak for x ≤ 0.6 indicated that Mg2-xMnxSiO4 materials were successfully synthesized. Mn doping in magnesium site did not affect the formation of single phase, and this probably due to the low concentration of Mn to induces structural changes. Mn doping contributed to the enhancement of the electrochemical performance of Mg2SiO4. For this work, Mg1.4Mn0.6SiO4 which possesses the largest unit cell volume, smallest charge transfer resistance, and highest conductivity value showed the most promising electrochemical performance compared to the other samples. These results indicated the suitability of the Mg2-xMnxSiO4 to be exploiting further for potential applications as solid electrolytes in electrochemical devices and strengthen the fact that doping could be an effective way to enhanched the structural, electrical and electrochemical performance of materials