Evaluation of cortisol level in premature neonates: Are there any correlations between prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus and prenatal administration of betamethasone?

Background: The results of previous studies suggested that there is an increased risk of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the neonates with lower serum cortisol levels. This study aimed to assess the association between serum cortisol values and PDA and investigate if there is an association between PDA and the antenatal administration of betamethasone. Methods: The present study was carried out on the neonates with gestational age between 28 to 35 weeks. The prenatal administration of betamethasone to the mothers was extracted from the records. A pediatric cardiologist performed an echocardiographic assessment on the second day of life (DOL) and fifth DOL and the infants were evaluated for the presence of PDA. The blood samples were obtained on the second and fifth DOL and serum cortisol levels were measured. We evaluated the association between serum cortisol levels and PDA. Also, the correlation between PDA and the antenatal administration of betamethasone was assessed. Results: The mean scores of serum cortisol levels on the second DOL in the neonates with and without PDA were 4.99±2.69 (μg/dl) and 7.23±2.87 (μg/dl), respectively that were significantly lower in the first group, compared to those of the second group. However, the mean levels of serum cortisol in the neonates with and without the prenatal administration of betamethasone were not significant (P=0.522). Conclusion: We have concluded that lower serum cortisol level was associated with the increase in the risk of PDA and the prenatal administration of glucocorticoids may not reduce the occurrence of PDA. © 2019 Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Overexpression of Inosine 5′-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase Type II Mediates Chemoresistance to Human Osteosarcoma Cells

overexpression in osteosarcoma patients with poor response to chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to provide evidence for direct involvement of IMPDH2 in the development of chemoresistance..IMPDH2 is directly involved in the development of chemoresistance in osteosarcoma cells, suggesting that targeting of IMPDH2 by RNAi or more effective pharmacological inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy might be a promising means of overcoming chemoresistance in osteosarcomas with high IMPDH2 expression

Modular high-rise construction: an alternative building system

Modular construction is a relatively a new form of high-rise construction, which involves the assembly of prefabricated structural modules. In contrast to traditional on-site construction methods, it allows for parallel processes to occur where the modules can be manufactured offsite, before or during preliminary on-site works, and then be transported to the site and assembled progressively. However, modular construction raises some concerns, such as load bearing capacity and structural integrity, in comparison to traditional in-situ construction. Hybrid construction processes may also be required in order to satisfy load capacity requirements, particularly for high-rise buildings. Structural integrity must be fully engineered into the modules during the early design processes and include consideration of manufacturing, handling, transportation and lifting issues as well as their long-term post-assembly integrity. Structural integrity may also need to encompass the capacity to resist seismic forces for buildings constructed in earthquake-prone areas. The purpose of the paper is to specifically examine how the overall structural integrity is maintained through the use of modular construction. Moreover, the main aim of this paper is also to investigate the structural integrity of modular construction specifically for high-rise buildings. Finally, this paper will examine how the panels maintain their structural integrity in the module itself and in the overall structure

Advancements in concrete technology in Australia: Geo-polymer concrete

The main focus of this paper is to discuss advancements in concrete technology, particularly in the use of GeoPolymer Concrete (GPC) for the purpose of construction in Australia. Geo-Polymer Concrete is environmentally friendly but yet strong enough for major construction projects. This includes the utilization of GPC for selected structural components such as load-bearing walls. In addition, this paper explores the future of GPC in the Australian construction industry. The paper investigates the benefits or otherwise of the successful utilization of GPC in the Australian construction and engineering industry. Furthermore, the Australian construction industry has the potential to gain a valuable insight into the benefits of GPC as an alternative to other materials. Therefore, the main areas which will contribute to the successful implementation of GPC in the Australian market will be identified and supported. These include areas such as the environmental advantages and mechanical properties (strength and durability) that will benefit the Australian construction industry, as well as obstacles which may influence GPC's future. Finally, this paper reports the successful implementation of GPC in the Australian construction industry as influenced by a variety of technical issues such as environmental and commercial factors

On-site engineering information systems (EIS) for Building and construction projects

The expectation of economic and performance-related benefits has led to the rapid penetration of computer-based Information Systems such as on-site Engineering Information Systems (EIS) into all facets of a Building and Construction projects and their activities. While the benefits range from increased productivity to reduced working-capital needs; key advantages also includes the capability to increase production and services. These explicit key advantages are in contrast to the benefits of different systems such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). While Building Information Modeling (BIM) investigates general and broad aspects of information, the proposed Engineering Information Systems (EIS) specifically deals with the complex data and its related predicament. Engineering Information Systems (EIS) not only provides increased productivity through better operational process, but also enhances project environment. This paper will introduce on-site Engineering Information Systems (EIS) for building and construction projects to improve productivity which in-turn will increase project's production and services level. In doing so this paper will also incorporates system methodology approach as a part of Engineering Information Systems (EIS) development. The key findings of this research indicate the importance of the inclusion of on-site Engineering Information Systems (EIS) to assist with the administrating of large raw data generated during the design and construction of various building projects

The importance of industry links in teaching pedagogy: A higher education prospective

The Importance of Industry links in Teaching Pedagogy is a vital aspect for any effective teaching methodology. All educational institutes need to maintain strong industry links to maintain current and appropriate qualifications. Furthermore, these industry links could be achieved via joint research and educational programs, which also allows students to have the opportunity to be involved in industry projects and gain important work experience. As part of this close collaboration, companies should sponsor more graduate students annually which in-turn increases their employability rate. Moreover, these issues and the graduate employability is a fundamental outcome of an effective teaching pedagogy methodology such as Industry Oriented Education (IOE). This paper will discuss various elements of Industry Oriented Education (IOE), which is the basis of Industry links in an effective Teaching Pedagogy environment. These elements include job acquisition and advancements, learning on the job and employment readiness

Pedagogy modelling for science based subjects

Not availabl

Comparison of carbon trading tax and capping: Australian manufacturing sector prospective

In recent times the Australian Manufacturing sector has undergone various economic changes to make it more financially unwavering. However, since the Australian Manufacturing sector is currently under severing competitive pressure from external factors (including cheaper production costs by international producers), any additional cost such as carbon taxing will be detrimental to its existence. As such Carbon Trading is a more appropriate option than Carbon Taxing. While Carbon Taxing is a fiscal system in which the polluters get charged for their produced pollution; Carbon Trading on the other hand is a form of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emission trading which specifically deals with trading the emission of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This is a practice which it is designed to reduce the overall emission of CO2, along with other GHGs, by providing adequate regulatory and economic incentives. This procedure is party of a system, which is colloquially referred to as a "Cap-and-Trade". This Cap-and-Trade scheme is the most popular and perhaps feasible approach to regulate CO2 and other emissions. Under this scheme, the federal government of each respective nation sets a goal (quarter or yearly) for the total GHGs emissions over a set period of time. Credits are than allocated to companies which allows these organisations to emit certain amounts of GHGs. Organisations that do not have enough allowances to cover their emissions must either make reductions or purchase other organisations spare credits. Ultimately organisations with extra allowances can sell them or alternatively bank them for future use. Since Carbon Taxing was removed in 2014 by the newly elected Australian federal government, this paper will examine and discuss the Carbon capping scheme for the weakened Australian manufacturing sector with a transition to lower the overall Australian CO2production

Infrastructure asset optimisation in local governmnents: Australia Study

Infrastructure is an integral part of the Australian Economy. With Australia's aim to be recognised as one of the advanced economies of the modern world, it must provide sufficient and efficient Infrastructure to its Communities. Governments at all levels, in particular Local Governments, should manage and monitor the performance of their Infrastructure effectively and precisely. As all Governments at all levels have budget constraints, it is imperative to be able to maintain satisfactory and adequate Infrastructure with the minimum financial requirements. Communities in general are not completely satisfied with the services provided by their Local Municipalities. Commonly, communities consider that by paying their rates and other Government charges, they will obtain an adequate level of services from their Local Government. Consecutively, Local Governments should treat communities as customers and clients and accordingly ensure that they are satisfied with the degree of services provided. The key concept in this paper is to generate an innovative process which includes optimised management and sustainable maintenance of Infrastructure to provide the acceptable level of service required by the community in a most effective manner which also strengthens service delivery. This paper investigates some of the fundamental issues in Infrastructure Asset Management such as Environmental Impact Assessment, AusLink and the Australian Road Management Act, which the Local Governments must deal with precisely

Transport infrastructure development development modelling for dispersed cities

Over the years there have been many Transport Infrastructure models developed and implemented, however these models are quite generic and do not totally satisfy the ever continuously changing Transport Infrastructure Environment for dispersed cities. This paper will propose a robust and sequential Transport Infrastructure Development Modelling (TIDM) mechanism especially for dispersed cities. Furthermore, this proposed TIDM utilises the Comprehensive Mobility Plans (CMP) technique together with, Traffic Analysis (collection and analysis of the existing urban transport environment), Transportation planning (including urban use and strategy) and various Implementation programs. In addition, this paper considers more technical Traffic ngineering concepts such as Volume to Capacity ratio. Moreover, the proposed TIDM will be implemented on Melbourne (Australia) as a preliminary case study and the initial results will be reviewed and discussed. The conclusion of this paper, will consist of the preliminary findings and outcome of the TIDM, will then be critiqued and discussed