Digitizing radiology films using flat-bed scanner and produce a multimedia digital teaching file in musculoskeletal radiology

Digital images have been long established in radiology department. Despite this, most radiology teaching films has been film-based. The drawback of this conventional system is that it consumed space, only one user can use at any one time and expensive. Analogue radiology films were digitized using flatbed scanner with transparency adaptor and digital camera. Digital-based teaching files using personal computer (PC) should be encouraged as this will reduce space for storing, can be distributed without much cost, inexpensive, many users can use at the same time and others can use even though at different place using the internet. The teaching file was prepared using HyperText Mark-up Language (HTML) as this can be used using any web browser. It is now available in University Sains Malaysia, Kelantan Campus Branch (USMKCK) intranet

FINITE ELEMENT INVESTIGATION OF INITIAL CLEARANCE EFFECT ON TUBE-TO-TUBESHEET JOINT STRENGTH

The tube-to-tubesheet joint strength is measured in terms of residual contact pressure between the tube’s outer surface and tubesheet hole surfaces. The joint integrity is affected by several design parameters, including the type of material and the initial radial clearance. To avoid weakening of joints due to excessive initial radial clearances Tubular Exchanger Manufacturer Association (TEMA) has set standards in which maximum over-tolerances are spelled out. The present work complements the experimental program on the effect of over-tolerance on heat exchangers tube-to-tubesheet joint strength. The finite element analysis first addressed the ligament effect on the residual stress in order to select a satisfactory sleeve diameter. Second, the initial clearance effect on contact pressure and percent tube wall reduction is performed. Results show that for low strain hardening materials the initial clearance effect is negligible. However, higher levels of strain hardening have a significant effect on residual stress and percent wall reduction. For low clearances, the finite element estimated residual contact pressure compared well with the analytical result and that inferred from the experimentally measured pull-out force. The variation of the percent wall reduction with initial clearance is found to be similar to that of the measured one

EVALUATION OF OPTIMIZATION METHODS FOR MACHINING ECONOMICS MODELS

In machining operations it is desirable to operate under optimal machining conditions. The optimal cutting conditions are obtained by solving machining optimization models. The formulated machining models are non-convex non-linear programs of complex nature. This paper compares the performances and the utilities of six algorithms to identify the most suitable one(s) for solving the machining models. The algorithms are evaluated empirically with respect to their reliability, precision, convergence, sensitivity to input vector and their preparational effort. The Generalized Reduced Gradient method (GRG) implemented as GINO is found to be the most suitable for solving machining optimization models

EVALUATION OF OPTIMIZATION METHODS FOR MACHINING ECONOMICS MODELS

In machining operations it is desirable to operate under optimal machining conditions. The optimal cutting conditions are obtained by solving machining optimization models. The formulated machining models are non-convex non-linear programs of complex nature. This paper compares the performances and the utilities of six algorithms to identify the most suitable one(s) for solving the machining models. The algorithms are evaluated empirically with respect to their reliability, precision, convergence, sensitivity to input vector and their preparational effort. The Generalized Reduced Gradient method (GRG) implemented as GINO is found to be the most suitable for solving machining optimization models

Current trends of adenotonsillar hypertrophy presentation in a developing country, Nigeria

Background: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is a common paediatric disorder in Otorhinolaryngological practice worldwide. The prevalence, clinical manifestations and predisposing factors are well documented in developed countries. However, available data shows differences between the various studies. There is paucity of data from developing countries. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the age group distribution, predisposing factors, clinical manifestation and complications of adenotonsillar hypertrophy in a developing country. Methods: It is a prospective study of children under 10 years over a period of 24 months. Interviewer assisted questionnaire was administered. Data obtained were statistically analysed using SPSS version 18. Results: Two hundred and fifty three, 253 subjects were enrolled into the study. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy affected all age groups studied. A high incidence was noted among the under 2 year olds. The Male: Female ratio was 2:1. Chronic cases constituted 55.7% of our study population. Common predisposing factors were atopy (73.9%), familial history (67.3%) and recurrent upper respiratory tract infection (58.2%). The Commonest clinical features were snoring, noisy breathing, tonsillar enlargement and narrowing of postnasal space air column. Failure to thrive, otitis media and rhinosinusitis were the commonly associated complications observed. No death was recorded. Conclusions: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is common in our environment. It is important for all primary health care physicians, paediatricians and otorhinolaryngologists to have a clear knowledge on this ailment. Prevention or reduction in incidence is possible

An efficient algorithm to calculate intrinsic thermoelectric parameters based on Landauer approach

The Landauer approach provides a conceptually simple way to calculate the intrinsic thermoelectric (TE) parameters of materials from the ballistic to the diffusive transport regime. This method relies on the calculation of the number of propagating modes and the scattering rate for each mode. The modes are calculated from the energy dispersion (E(k)) of the materials which require heavy computation and often supply energy relation on sparse momentum (k) grids. Here an efficient method to calculate the distribution of modes (DOM) from a given E(k) relationship is presented. The main features of this algorithm are, (i) its ability to work on sparse dispersion data, and (ii) creation of an energy grid for the DOM that is almost independent of the dispersion data therefore allowing for efficient and fast calculation of TE parameters. The inclusion of scattering effects is also straight forward. The effect of k-grid sparsity on the compute time for DOM and on the sensitivity of the calculated TE results are provided. The algorithm calculates the TE parameters within 5% accuracy when the K-grid sparsity is increased up to 60% for all the dimensions (3D, 2D and 1D). The time taken for the DOM calculation is strongly influenced by the transverse K density (K perpendicular to transport direction) but is almost independent of the transport K density (along the transport direction). The DOM and TE results from the algorithm are bench-marked with, (i) analytical calculations for parabolic bands, and (ii) realistic electronic and phonon results for $Bi_{2}Te_{3}$.Comment: 16 Figures, 3 Tables, submitted to Journal of Computational electronic

Epidemiological profile of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Nigeria, July-September 2014

Introduction: In July 2014, Nigeria experienced an outbreak of Ebola virus disease following the introduction of the disease by an ill Liberian Traveler. The Government of Nigeria with the support of Technical and Development Partners responded quickly and effectively to contain the outbreak. The epidemiological profile of the outbreak that majorly affected two States in the country in terms of person, place and time characteristics of the cases identified is hereby described. Methods: Using field  investigation technique, all confirmed and probable cases were identified, line-listed and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2007 by persons, time and place. Results: A total of 20 confirmed and probable cases; 16 in Lagos (including the index case from Liberia) and 4 in Port Harcourt were  identified. The mean age was 39.5 ± 12.4 years with over 40% within the age group 30-39 years. The most frequent exposure type was direct physical contact in 70% of all cases and 73% among health care workers. The total case-fatality was 40%; higher among healthcare workers (46%) compared with non-healthcare workers (22%). The epidemic curve initially shows a typical common source outbreak, followed by a propagated pattern. Conclusion: Investigation revealed the size and spread of the outbreak and provided information on the characteristics of persons, time and place. Enhanced surveillance measures, including contact tracing and follow-up proved very useful in early case detection and containment of the outbreak