A character segmentation algorithm for off-line handwritten script recognition

In this paper, a new character segmentation algorithm for dealing with off-line handwritten script recognition is presented. The X-axis projection, Y-axis projection and geometric classes techniques used by the algorithm proves to be successful in segmenting normal handwriting with a success rate of 93.5%. As a result of this development, detailed understanding of geometric classes of English characters and the difficult cases in segmentation was gained. Although the algorithm works quite well with a randomly chosen sample, results of a detailed analysis may shed new light into the tuning of the algorithm especially for segmenting the identified difficult cases.published_or_final_versio

Performing the self: An insight into the formation of self as dancer

The relationship between mind, body and self is a contentious issue that has concerned both ancient and modern philosophers. Recently, new research has emerged based on Zen Buddhism and the Husserlian based phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty and focusing on the concept of Leib; of a lived body and embodied self, existing in specific biological and social conditions. Through the aesthetics of dance, I will explore how the social body techniques of our specific life-worlds and the conditions of our physical world shape our perception of mind-body unity. In this way, being cannot be understood as a state we arrive at through self-cultivation, but rather a process through which we use self-cultivation techniques to negotiate to be recognised as functional, social beings. The self is therefore not a static entity but one that is performed over again in a process that creates space for both physical, social and intellectual growth

Development of a local warfarin dosage guideline based on pharmacogenomics and haemostatic markers

Warfarin, the mainstream oral anticoagulant, has a narrow therapeutic index and wide interindividual dose variability, rendering maintaining its optimal dose in each individual a difficult task. Many warfarin dosing models have been developed worldwide in order to improve the accuracy of currently used international normalised ratio (INR) dosing method. However, those dosing models were not practical to be used due to extensive additional data that are required for dose calculation. In this study, a simpler warfarin's dosing model for local population has been studied for warfarin therapy reinitiation based on clinical, laboratory and genetic data. A total of 130 of patients on warfarin treatment in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia were recruited for the model-building. Patients' clinical data were extracted from the hospital database. Polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were used for genotyping of CYP2C9*2, *3 and VKORC1 -1639G>A while a newly developed nested allele-specific multiplex PCR was used for genotyping of VKORC1 381, 861, 5808 and 9041. Genotype data of VKORC1 381, 861, 5808 and 9041 were used to infer VKORC1 haplotype. The activity of vitamin K-dependent (VKD) clotting factors II, VII, IX and X were measured by using a benchtop haemostatic analyser. A newly developed and validated high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with UV detector was used for measurement of serum warfarin levels that were subsequently used for pharmacokinetics data calculation in 24 patients. The warfarin's dosing model was developed by using a forward multiple linear regression. The heterozygous mutant genotype of CYP2C9*2 and *3 were rare (both at 3.8%), while the homozygous mutant was not detected. The frequency of VKORC1 -1639G>A andVKORC1 381 were similar. The genotype with highest frequency was the low warfarin's dose requirement genotype (GG: 54.6%). The VKORC1 H1H1, H1H7 or H1H9 and H7H7 were the most common haplotype pairs (53.1, 32.5 and 10.0%). All VKD clotting factor activities were not significantly associated with warfarin's dose requirement or with the INR. Maximum serum concentration, half-life and clearance of warfarin were not significantly associated with any genetic data or warfarin's dose requirement. The final warfarin's dosing model consists of age, the number of VKORC1 381 allele, mean INR and history of mitral valve replacement as useful predictor factors. The predictor factors explained 45.6% of warfarin dose variability. The developed dosing model is suitable to be used as guideline to determine the warfarin dose of patients who need to reinitiate a warfarin therapy

A New Nested Allele-Specific Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Method for Haplotyping of VKORC1 Gene to Predict Warfarin Sensitivity

The vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1 gene (VKORC1) is commonly assessed to predict warfarin sensitivity. In this study, a new nested allele-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that can simultaneously identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at VKORC1 381, 861, 5808, and 9041 for haplotype analysiswas developed and validated. ExtractedDNAwas amplified in the first PCR DNA, which was optimized by investigating the effects of varying the primer concentrations, annealing temperature, magnesium chloride concentration, enzyme concentration, and the amount of DNA template. The amplification products produced from the first round of PCR were used as templates for a second PCR amplification in which both mutant and wild-type primers were added in separate PCR tubes, followed by optimization in a similar manner. The final PCR products were resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis and further analysed by using a VKORC1 genealogic tree to infer patient haplotypes. Fifty patients were identified to have H1H1, one had H1H2, one had H1H7, 31 had either H1H7 or H1H9, one had H1H9, eight had H7H7, and one had H8H9 haplotypes. This is the first method that is able to infer VKORC1 haplotypes using only conventional PCR methods

Determinants for Healthy Lifestyle of Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

Lifestyle modification is a pivotal intervention for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH). This study aims to describe the lifestyles (physical activity and healthy diet) and their associations with sociodemography, illness characteristics, psychological elements, family support and level of barrier. 100 participants were given Pro forma questionnaires to assess sociodemography and illness characteristics. The lifestyles, psychological elements, family support and level of barrier were assessed using the Theory of Planned Behaviour questionnaire. The determinants of healthy lifestyles include the status of receiving treatment, level of barrier and intention for behavioural change. The findings may inform the strategy for lifestyle modification of FH patients.Keywords: Familial Hypercholesterolaemia; lifestyle; physical activity; healthy diet.eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i14.233

Determining Predictors of Depression and Anxiety for Prevention of Common Mental Illness among Staff of an Academic Institution in Malaysia

The Adopt-A-Park Programme has Information on depression, anxiety and predictors for these mental illnesses among the staff of the academic institution is sparse. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of these mental illnesses and investigate possible predictors. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21-item and pro forma questionnaires were used to assess the presence of depression, anxiety, sociodemographic, personal and job-related factors. Of 278 participants, 27.7% had depression, and 26.7% had anxiety. Predictors for depression include inadequate workplace facilities, low-tier job category, working in urban campus and low income. Predictors for clinical anxiety were high workplace responsibility and low-tier job category. Keywords: Depression; Anxiety; Academic Institution; Staff 2398-4279 © 2019 The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA CE-Bs by E-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer-review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ajqol.v4i17.19

White matter volume and anisotropy in very low birth weight preterm born children: association with cognitive outcome

INTRODUCTION: Low birth weight premature infants are at risk of brain injury, especially to the white matter. These complications result from either the inability to repair the lesions acquired around birth, or disruption of the normal maturation process. It has been shown in normal and disease populations that white matter parameters are associated with cognitive function (1-3). We hypothesize that mean white matter volume and anisotropy are reduced in children who were born very low birth weight (2500grams) and that these parameters of white matter damage correlate with cognitive outcome …published_or_final_versio

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: An Updated Overall Management

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the commonest and serious but potentially treatable form of inherited dyslipidaemias, is characterised by severely elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level, which subsequently leads to premature coronary artery disease (pCAD). Effectiveness of FH early detection and treatment is supported by the outcome of several international cohort studies. Optimal FH management relies on prescription of statins either alone or together with other lipid-lowering therapies (LLT). Intensive lifestyle intervention is required in parallel with LLT, which should be commenced at diagnosis in adults and childhood. Treatment with high intensity statin should be started as soon as possible. Combination with ezetimibe and/or bile acid sequestrants is indicated if target LDL-C is not achieved. For FH patients in the very-high risk category, if their LDL-C targets are not achieved, despite being on maximally tolerated statin dose and ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type1 inhibitor (PCSK9i) is recommended. In statin intolerance, ezetimibe alone, or in combination with PCSK9i may be considered. Clinical evaluation of response to treatment and safety are recommended to be done about 4-6 weeks following initiation of treatment. Homozygous FH (HoFH) patients should be treated with maximally tolerated intensive LLT and, when available, with lipoprotein apheresis. This review highlights the overall management, and optimal treatment combinations in FH in adults and children, newer LLT including PCSK9i, microsomal transfer protein inhibitor, allele-specific oligonucleotide to ApoB100 and PCSK9 mRNA. Family cascade screening and/or screening of high-risk individuals, is the most cost-effective way of identifying FH cases and initiating early and adequate LLT

Efficiency of Polyphenol Extraction from Artificial Honey Using C18 Cartridges and Amberlite„ XAD-2 Resin: A Comparative Study

A comparative study of the extraction efficiency of nine known polyphenols [phenolic acids (benzoic acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, and vanillic acid) and flavonoids (naringenin, naringin, quercetin, and rutin)] was conducted by deliberately adding the polyphenols to an artificial honey solution and performing solid phase extraction (SPE). Two SPE methods were compared: one using Amberlite XAD-2 resin and another one using a C18 cartridge. A gradient high performance liquid chromatography system with an RP18 column and photodiode array detector was utilized to analyze the extracted polyphenols. The mean percent of recovery from the C18 cartridges was 74.2%, while that from the Amberlite XAD-2 resin was 43.7%. The recoveries of vanillic acid, naringin, and rutin were excellent (>90%); however, gallic acid was not obtained when C18 cartridges were used. Additionally, the reusability of Amberlite XAD-2 resin was investigated, revealing that the mean recovery of polyphenols decreased from 43.7% (1st extraction) to 29.3% (3rd extraction). It was concluded that although Amberlite XAD-2 resin yielded a higher number of compounds, C18 cartridges gave a better extraction recovery. The lower recovery seen for the Amberlite XAD-2 resin also cannot be compensated by repeated extractions due to the gradual decrease of extraction recovery when reused

Metallic nanoparticles and nanostructures for bio-applications

This paper elaborates on approaches of synthesis of Au and Ag nanoparticles (NPs), deposition of colloid onto glass substrate and encapsulation of NPs with silicon dioxide (SiO2) thin shell. As one important bio application of metallic nanoparticles, both solution-based and substrate-based fluorescence enhancement tests are demonstrated