3D ultrasound image reconstruction based on VTK

Three dimensional (3D) ultrasound image reconstruction based on two dimensional (2D) images has become a famous method for analyzing some anatomy related to abnormalities. 3D ultrasound image reconstruction system is required in order to view the specific part of the object and so that it can be used for analysis purpose. In this paper, 2D images were taken by using untracked free-hand system. Few sets of 2D images were taken with different number of slices and after some 2D image processing, 3D reconstruction is done by using surface rendering techniques by implementing marching cubes algorithm in Visual C++ 6.0 with Visualization Toolkit (VTK) toolbox. From the experiment, we can conclude that in order to reconstruct a better 3D image, the aid of tracking sensor is important. Besides, another parameter such as the number of slices of the images and image processing technique will affect the smoothness of the reconstructed 3D image

Red blood cell image enhancement techniques for cells with overlapping condition

This paper proposes an automatic algorithm consists of techniques that can separateoverlapping RBC for enhancing RBC image to improve counting precision. The proposedalgorithm is able to automatically count RBC of colour blood smear images based on thequality or challenging conditions of the images such as poor illumination of blood smear andmost importantly overlapping RBC. The algorithm comprises of two RBC segmentation thatcan be selected based on the image quality, circle mask technique and grayscale blood smearimage processing. Detail explanations including experimental results that show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques are described in this paper. The proposed algorithm has been successfully detect and separate agglomerate RBC with 96% accuracy. Algorithmvalidation was verified with RBC distribution area and confusion matrix.Keywords: red blood cell (RBC); complete blood count (CBC); automated segmentation;overlap RBC

MPEG-4 video transmission using distributed TDMA MAC protocol over IEEE 802.15.4 wireless technology

The issues of green technology nowadays give an inspiration to the researcher to make all the future design to be energy efficient. Medium Access Control (MAC) layer is the most effective layer to provide energy efficient due to its ability to control the physical radio directly. One of the important applications in the future is a video transmission that can be transmitted with low-cost and low power consumption. MPEG-4 is one of the international standards for moving video. MPEG-4 provide better compression and primarily design at low bit rate communication. In order to achieve good quality for video application, the design at MAC layer must be strong. Therefore, to increase the performance of the MPEG-4 in IEEE 802.15.4, in this paper we propose a cross layer design between MAC layer and Application layer. A priority queue will be implemented at MAC scheduling depends on the level of frame important in MPEG-4 format frame. A distributed Time division Multiple Access (TDMA) will be used for MAC protocol to provide reliable data transmission for high priority frame

Mechanical and thermal properties of binary blends poly lactic acid (PLA) and recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE)

In this work, plastic bottles made of high-density polyethene (HDPE) have been recycled and blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The aim of the work is to prepare a binary blend of PLA and Recycled HDPE (rHDPE) at 90:10 blend ratio by using a twin-screw extruder. The blends were compression moulded and characterized in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. It was found that the rHDPE increased the tensile modulus of the binary blend. Fracture morphology demonstrated that the blend of rHDPE and PLA is immiscible. In terms of thermal property, as measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), the glass transition temperature of the binary blend showed a lower value, whereas the crystallization process was significantly improved

Piper sarmentosum inhibits ICAM-1 and Nox4 gene expression in oxidative stress-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Aqueous extract of <it>Piper sarmentosum </it>(AEPS) is known to possess antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic activities but the mechanism responsible for it remains unclear. In early part of atherosclerosis, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) induces the expression of cellular adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin. NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is the predominant source of superoxide in the endothelial cells whereas superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are the antioxidant enzymes responsible for inactivating reactive oxygen species. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of AEPS on the gene expression of NF-κB, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, Nox4, SOD1, CAT and GPx in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>HUVECs were divided into four groups:- control; treatment with 180 μM hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂); treatment with 150 μg/mL AEPS and concomitant treatment with AEPS and H₂O₂for 24 hours. Total RNA was extracted from all the groups of HUVEC using TRI reagent. Subsequently, qPCR was carried out to determine the mRNA expression of NF-κB, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, Nox4, SOD1, CAT and GPx. The specificity of the reactions was verified using melting curve analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>When stimulated with H₂O₂, HUVECs expressed higher level of ICAM-1 (1.3-fold) and Nox4 (1.2-fold) mRNA expression. However, AEPS treatment led to a reduction in the mRNA expression of ICAM-1 (p < 0.01) and Nox4 (p < 0.05) in the H₂O₂-induced HUVECs. AEPS also upregulated the mRNA expression of SOD1 (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.01) and GPx (p < 0.05) in oxidative stress-induced HUVECs. There was no significant change in the mRNA expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The expressional suppression of ICAM-1 and Nox4 and induction of antioxidant enzymes might be an important component of the vascular protective effect of AEPS.</p

Design And Development Of Wear Testing Analysis On Cylinder Head Valve

These projects are aimed to design and development of wear testing analysis on cylinder head valve. The cylinder head sits above the cylinders on top of the cylinder block. It closes in the top of the cylinder, forming the combustion chamber. This joint is sealed by a head gasket. In most engines, the head also provides space for the passages that feed air and fuel to the cylinder, and that allow the exhaust to escape. The head can also be a place to mount the valves, spark plugs, and fuel injectors. The project is based on study the design, mechanical movement and component of head valve and also to analysis the stress and strain of a valve by using finite element method. The exhaust valve system of combustion engines experiences a very complex contact situation of frequent impact involving micro sliding, high and varying temperatures, complex exhaust gas chemistry and possible particulates, etc. In addition, the tribological situation in the exhaust valve system is expected to become even worse due to strict future emission regulations, which will require enhanced combustion and fuels. This will substantially reduce the formation of combustion products that might ease the contact conditions by forming tribofilms on the contacting surfaces. The lack of protective films is expected to result in increased wear of the contact surfaces. The result will present by the successful of the project mechanisms to run and also the simulation of the mechanisms

Red blood cell image enhancement techniques for cells with overlapping condition

This paper proposes an automatic algorithm consists of techniques that can separate overlapping RBC for enhancing RBC image to improve counting precision. The proposed algorithm is able to automatically count RBC of colour blood smear images based on the quality or challenging conditions of the images such as poor illumination of blood smear and most importantly overlapping RBC. The algorithm comprises of two RBC segmentation that can be selected based on the image quality, circle mask technique and grayscale blood smear image processing. Detail explanations including experimental results that show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques are described in this paper. The proposed algorithm has been successfully detect and separate agglomerate RBC with 96% accuracy. Algorithm validation was verified with RBC distribution area and confusion matrix

Pesantren Kilat Uyem Beriring sebagai Upaya Peningkatan Ibadah Siswa/i SD Negeri 03 Tripe Jaya

Bulan Ramadhan adalah momentum untuk meningkatkan intensitas kegiatan peribadatan seorang insan, pun sebagai momentum pendidikan bagi pelajar untuk dapat menjadi seseorang yang memiliki kemampuan mengendalkan hawa nafsunya dan mempunyai dorongan dan motivasi untuk senantiasa beramal shaleh. Hal tersebut semakin rizkan untuk dilakukan dengan lengangnya kegiatan belajar-mengajar di sekolah yang mengkhususkan bulan Ramadhan sebagai bulan Dinul Islam (Pengajaran Islam Intensif). Tujuan pengabdian agar dapat meningkatkan motivasi ibadah siswa melalui kegiatan pesantren kilat. Pengabdian dilaksanakan di SD Negeri 03 Tripe Jaya, Kampung Uyem Beriring, Kecamatan Tripe Jaya, Kabupaten Gayo Lues. Kegiatan pesantren kilat menjadi penting, demi menjaga semangat dan antusiasme ibadah siswa. Pesantren Kilat Uyem Beriring 2022 selanjutnya menjadikan siswa/siswi SD Negeri 03 Tripe Jaya menjadi insan yang terbiasa mengisi kegiatan Ramadhan dengan kegiatan ibadah

Teachers’ and Parents’ Perspectives on the Feasibility of a Preschool-Based Behavioral Intervention to Prevent Obesity: An Embedded Qualitative Study within ToyBox Study Malaysia

The aim of this qualitative study, an embedded component of ToyBox Study Malaysia (TSM), was to elicit the perspectives of teachers and parents regarding the implementation of TSM. TSM is a preschool-based behavioral intervention program aimed at improving healthy energy balance-related behaviors among young children attending preschools. The qualitative study adopted a descriptive-interpretive methodology, and triangulated data collected through semi-structured focus groups with artifacts collected. The setting involved rural and metropolitan preschools in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, respectively. In Sarawak, 11 teachers and 20 parents from six intervention preschools participated in this study. In Peninsular Malaysia, 14 preschool teachers and seven assistant teachers representing all 15 intervention preschools participated in the study. Data were analyzed thematically and four overarching themes were identified: impact of TSM on the children’s knowledge and practices of healthy energy balance-related behaviors; spheres of influence upon the children’s energy balance-related behaviors; constraints and affordances related to the implementation of TSM; and prospective sustainability of TSM. The triangulation of data from teachers, parents, and the artifacts related to TSM enabled the corroboration of evidence to support the themes identified. This study provides evidence on the reciprocal interactions between the teachers and parents who played key roles in facilitating behavioral change in the children, and the children who, in turn, served as change agents beyond the preschool. Furthermore, the mediational tools such as the TSM crockery and availability of healthy food and water led to the reported behavioral changes at both rural and metropolitan settings