Pattern discovery using k-means algorithm

Student's placement in industry for the industrial training is difficult due to the large number of students and organizations involved. Further the matching process is complex due to the various criteria set by the organization and students. This paper will discuss the results of a pattern extraction process using a clustering algorithm that is k-means. The data use consists of Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor in Multimedia students of Universiti Utara Malaysia from the year 2004 till 2005. The experiments were conducted using undirected data and directed data. The pattern extracted gave information on the previous matching process done by the university

Synthesis of Monodispersed Gold Nanoparticles with Exceptional Colloidal Stability with Grafted Polyethylene Glycol-g-polyvinyl Alcohol

Herein, we report the synthesis of spherical gold nanoparticles with tunable core size (23–79 nm) in the presence of polyethylene glycol-g-polyvinyl alcohol (PEG-g-PVA) grafted copolymer as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent in a one-step protocol. The resulted PEG-g-PVA-capped gold nanoparticles are monodispersed with an exceptional colloidal stability against salt addition, repeated centrifugation, and extensive dialysis. The effect of various synthesis parameters and the kinetic/mechanism of the nanoparticle formation are discussed

Can we use normal saline stored under stress conditions? A simulated prehospital emergency medical setting

Background: Data on stability and suitability to use normal saline stored under stress conditions in ambulances is lacking. Objective: We aimed to study the impact of exposure to extreme temperature variations on normal saline stability and compatibility with its packaging. Methods: Normal saline in 96 polyolefin bags were exposed to continuous temperature of 22, 50, and 70 °C or to a cyclic temperature of 70 °C per 8 h and 22 °C per 16 h. The bags were sampled at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks in the short- and long-term experiments, respectively. Solution inside the bags was evaluated for any evidence of crystallization, discoloration, turbidity, or pH changes. A sample of normal saline was withdrawn from each bag to analyze sodium and chloride levels. Results: Precipitation, discoloration, or turbidity were not observed in the solution inside normal saline bags. The average pH was 5.59 at 22 °C, 5.73 at 50 °C, 5.86 at 70 °C and 5.79 at cyclic exposure. In the short- and long-term experiments, sodium and chloride concentrations were within 100.2–111.27% and 99.04–110.95%, respectively. Leaching of the plastic components in the polyolefin bag into the normal saline solution was not detected. Conclusions: Sodium and chloride levels of normal saline were stable and compatible with polyolefin bags stored in simulated continuous and cyclic extreme temperatures for around one month. The effect of storage in the cabinet of operational ambulance vehicles during different seasons in arid countries is yet to be evaluated in real-world conditions, to further confirm our results

Skin Sparing Fistulectomy with Primary Sphincters Repair by Special Sutures for Management of High Perianal Fistula

Background: Fistula in ano is a common disease seen in the surgical outpatient department. Many procedures are advocated for the treatment of fistula in ano. However, none of the procedures is considered the gold standard. Aim of this study was to evaluate our procedure in the managing high perianal fistula.Methods: Between February 2014 and September 2015, 71 patients with high perianal fistula were managed by skin sparing fistulectomy and special sutures for primary repair of anal sphincters. The clinical outcome was assessed in terms of time for healing, continence and recurrence for followup period (ranged from 4 to 24 months).Results: Anorectal wounds were healed within 3 to 4 weeks. Complications included urine retention 9 patients (12.7 %), superficial wound infection 29 patients (40.9 %), and transient incontinence 33 patients (46.5 %) for flatus for period ranged from 2 to 3 weeks. No deep infection, no permanent incontinence were recorded. Recurrence was in one patient (1.4 %).Conclusion: Our technique is less invasive, rapid healing, maintain on normal configuration of anus, and associated with good results for high perianal fistula management.</p