Quantitative Ink Analysis: Estimating the Number of Inks in Documents through Hyperspectral Imaging

In the field of document forensics, ink analysis plays a crucial role in determining the authenticity of legal and historic documents and detecting forgery. Visual examination alone is insufficient for distinguishing visually similar inks, necessitating the use of advanced scientific techniques. This paper proposes an ink analysis technique based on hyperspectral imaging, which enables the examination of documents in hundreds of narrowly spaced spectral bands, revealing hidden details. The main objective of this study is to identify the number of distinct inks used in a document. Three clustering algorithms, namely k-means, Agglomerative, and c-means, are employed to estimate the number of inks present. The methodology involves data extraction, ink pixel segmentation, and ink number determination. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique in identifying ink clusters and distinguishing between different inks. The analysis of a hyperspectral cube dataset reveals variations in spectral reflectance across different bands and distinct spectral responses among the 12 lines, indicating the presence of multiple inks. The clustering algorithms successfully identify ink clusters, with k-means clustering showing superior classification performance. These findings contribute to the development of reliable methodologies for ink analysis using hyperspectral imaging, enhancing th

Comparison of Caffeine Versus Aminophylline for Apnea of Prematurity

Objective: To make a comparison between the efficacy and safety of Caffeine and Aminophylline for Apnea of prematurity at standard doses.Methodology: The participants (neonates) were allocated randomly into 2  groups. Caffeine was given in loading dose of caffeine citrate (20 mg/kg) followed by 5 mg/kg/day maintenance dose every 24 hour to one group. The Aminopylline group was given (loading dose  5mg/kg and maintenance dose of 1.5 mg/kg) every 8 hour. The assesment for variations in the episodes of apnea, corresponding respiratory disorders, along with acute detrimental effects was done. The therapeutic drug levels related to the efficacy were also determined.Results: The mean apnea events/day in neonates administrated by caffeine was 0.8±0.3, 1.9±0.18, 1.4±1.8, 0.9±0.11 and 0.98±0.15 for 0, 1-3, 4-7, 8-14 and 15-21 days respectively. While, The mean apnea events/day in neonates administrated by Aminophylline was 0.6±0.4, 0.4±0.24, 0.3±1.6, 0.8±0.14 and 0.69±0.15 for 0, 1-3, 4-7, 8-14 and 15-21 days respectively. The difference was statistically significant for one to three days (p=0.000) and four to seven days (p=0.000), 15-21 days (p=0.004) While the difference was statistically insignificant at 0 day (p=0.845), 8-14 days (p=0.741).Conclusion: Results of our study revealed that caffeine is more effective than Aminophylline in treatment of apnea of prematurity. Keywords: Apneic spells, Methylxanthines, Preterm neonates

Will An Amnioinfusion Reduce Fetal Distress in Cases of Thick Meconium Amniotic Fluid

Objective: To find out if Amnioinfusion can reduce fetal distress in cases of thick meconium amniotic fluid. Study Design: Randomized Control Trail. Location and Duration: Department of Pediatrics Medicine Nishtar Hospital Multan from January 2017 to February 2018. Material and methods: A total of 138 patients were included the study. Patients were divided into two equal groups, cases and controls. Group 1 received amnioinfusion while group II being the control group received standard care. Age, parity, cervical dilatation, interval between detection of meconium and delivery, percentage of neonates developing meconium aspiration syndrome, neonates getting admission in neonatal intensive care units and neonatal death were the variables measured and analyzed. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for continuous variables while frequency and percentage was calculated for categorical variables. Chi square test was applied and p value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: APGAR score was more than 7 in 68.1% of the cases and 44.9% of the controls at 1 minute after birth. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.006). APGAR score was more than 7 at five minutes after birth in 92.8% of the cases and 76.8%of the controls (p=0.009). The incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome, NICU admissions and perinatal deaths was 13%, 17.4% and 4.3% in the group receiving amnioinfusion and 23.2%, 29% and 10.1% in the controls. Conclusion: The results of the study clearly show that amnioinfusion is certainly very effective in reducing the incidence of fetal distress along with overall better outcomes as compared to the standard care of the meconium stained amniotic fluid. Keywords: Amnioinfusion, fetal distress, thick meconium, amniotic flui

A novel track-drive mobile robotic framework for conducting projects on robotics and control systems

This paper presents a novel robotic framework to help students to practically grasp the concepts of Robotics and Control Systems in a laboratory environment. The framework is centered on a robotic rover having two tank-like tracks which permit locomotion on uneven terrains. The sensory system consists of encoders for position feedback while the actuation system comprises of six precise DC motors. To enhance the learning outcomes of students and to permit readily realizaion of applications, developed software library supports three different command levels. The efficacy of the framework has been demonstrated by presenting a list of projects conducted on the framework. In particular, as a case-study, a project titled tether tracking and control of robotic rover has been detailed in the paper with presentation of experimental results. The pilot study indicated that incorporating the framework in robotics laboratory resulted in an efficient methodology of imparting interdisciplinary knowledge to engineering students. Additionally, the framework finds its potential in research of advanced robotic and control algorithms

Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Covid-19 in an Isolation Unit of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the frequency of mucocutaneous manifestations in patients with COVID-19. METHODOLOGY This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the isolation ward of Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, for COVID-19-positive patients from 20th June to 30th July 2020. One hundred and twenty COVID-19-positive patients were included in our study. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were subjected to a detailed clinical history and mucocutaneous and systemic examination. Relevant investigations were done. Data was recorded in predesigned proforma and analyzed for various statistical variables. RESULTS Among 120 patients included in our study, 87 were male and 33 female. Most patients belonged to the age group 21-40 years. A total of 17 patients showed mucocutaneous manifestations. Generalized pruritus and petechial rash were the most common, and the maculopapular rash were the least common. Mucosal involvement was seen in 2 patients. CONCLUSION Mucocutaneous manifestations are essential clues in the diagnosis of COVID-19. Early recognition may help in the effective management of patient

Prevalence and Associated factors Of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction among Young Adults in Karachi

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors for temporomandibular joint dysfunction among young adult in Karachi. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in (n=383) subjects with (n=165) males and (n=218) females aged between 18–30 years. The subjects were requested to answer Fonseca’s questionnaires, consisted on ten questions. The collected data sets were analyzed statistically through using the SPSS version 22. Result: A total (n=383) participants, the prevalence of TMD is 66.6%. The participant with TMD (66.6%) show 54.0% mild TMD, 12.0% moderate and 0.5% severe. Women with 61% showing TMD, as compare to men 73.93%. When considering only severe TMD, only women are affected 0.5%. Participant with any level of TMD show marked characteristics: 12.53% considered themselves tense people; 17.5% reported to clench or grind their teeth; 8.88% reported clicking of the temporomandibular joint; 24.28% reported frequent headache. Conclusion: The result of the study concluded that the TMD a high prevalence among young adult in Karachi, among participant with TMD most of the participants had mild TMD which reveals that in young population about half of the participants presented with mild TMD. Key Points: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), Mastication, Helkimo's indexes, Fonseca anamnestic Index (FAI

Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Berberis vulgaris Extract

Background: Plants are main source of various bioactive compounds that possess great medicinal importance and have gained much popularity for therapeutics due to their less side effects. A diverse category of plants is present to be explored and evaluated for the treatment of different bacterial infection. In the current work, Berberis vulgaris extract in various solvents was evaluated for its phytochemical properties and antimicrobial potential against six different pathogenic bacterial strains.Methods: Different phytochemical tests were carried out to analyze the plant for active biocomponents. The disc diffusion method was used to screen the plant for different pathogenic bacterial strains. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various plant bioactive compounds (alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, and proteins) in variable amount.Results: Among all solvents extracts, butanoic and aqueous fraction showed abundant presence of bioactive compounds, while n-hexane showed least intensity of various phytochemicals. For antimicrobial potential, methanolic and butanoic fractions showed maximum growth inhibition against all strains tested at 1.5mg disc-1. Ethyl acetate and n-hexane also showed better activity against all tested bacteria at all concentrations. The most susceptible microbe was Bacillus subtilis. These results further revealed that least activity was recorded by water extracted solvent and showed no activity against Staphylococcus aureus at all concentrations.Conclusion: The current work highlights the apparent antimicrobial potential of extract derived from of Berberis vulgaris. This plant may be explored for further activities and can be used for the production of antibiotics