Implementation of the Explicit Group Iterative Method for Solving Image Blurring Problem using Non-Linear Diffusion Equations

Diffusion equations have been known to solve various image processing problems. This study employs the diffusion equations as the partial difference equations (PDEs)-based image processing techniques for image blurring which also can be refer as the process of image smoothing. The solutions of diffusion equations were obtained using the iterative algorithms and thereafter applied in the image blurring processes. The images were blurred without destroying the crucial information of an image that need to be preserve such as sharp edges, lines and shapes as the diffusion occurs inside the image locations, where the images with different sizes were tested. In terms of performance comparison, the standard point Gauss-Seidel and two-point Explicit Group (2-EG) methods were considered to produce the same quality image of classical point iterative method which is Jacobi. The numerical results showed that 2-EG iterative method capable to smooth the inner region of the images faster compared to the standard point iterative method. It was shown that the 2-EG iterative method more efficient in reducing the number of iterations and computational time than the standard point iterative method

Challenges of communication system during emergency disaster response in Malaysia: A review

The purpose of this review is to provide the overview of available systems and potentialfuture systems for communication during disaster in Malaysia. Electronic searches in majorsubject loci databases such as MEDLINE (via PUBMED), Ovid, Science Direct, Scopus,IEEE Xplore digital library and Springer are used in conducting the reviews. The majorchallenge is to integrate between readily available communications systems at pre-disaster,during disaster and post-disaster. Therefore, this review will further provide information forthe policy makers, responsible personnel as well as researchers on the vulnerability of thecommunication systems during disaster and the future direction of effective communicationsystem in Malaysia.Keywords: disaster; communication system;GIRN; effective communication system;emergency medicine

Spatial assessment on ambient air quality status: a case study in Klang, Selangor

Klang as the center of economic and industrial zone in Malaysia has been exposed to poor air quality condition over the years. This study was conducted to evaluate the spatial variation pattern of air quality status in Klang, Selangor by using a four years (2010-2013) secondary database from the Malaysian Department of Environment (DOE). The finding shows that carbon monoxide (CO) had a strong correlation with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), while Air Pollutant Index (API) had moderate correlation with particulate matter (PM10) (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicates that the most significant air pollutants were NO2, CO and PM10. Statistical Process Control (SPC) reveals that several PM10 data beyond the limitations of SPC and the national guidelines. This study shows that active collaboration among all relevant environmental departments and agencies should be implemented for the effective management of air quality.Keywords: air quality; correlation; principal component analysis; statistical process control

First order piecewise collocation solution of Fredholm integral equation second kind by using gauss-seidel iteration

We determine the approximation solution of first-order piecewise via polynomial collocation with first-order Quadrature scheme on Fredholm integral equations of second kind. This discretization has derived the formation for solving piecewise approximation equation in which constructing the linear system. In order to get the approximation solutions, the Gauss-Seidel method has been stated as a linear solver in which its formulation has been constructed and implemented in this study. The combination of the iterative method of GS with the first-order piecewise polynomial via collocation with first-order Quadrature scheme has shown that performance of GS method is excel than Jacobi method in the matter of iterations number and completion time

Air quality modelling using chemometric techniques

The datasets of air quality parameters for three years (2012-2014) were applied. HACA gave the result of three different groups of similarity based on the characteristics of air quality parameters. DA shows all seven parameters (CO, O3, PM10, SO2, NOx, NO and NO2) gave the most significant variables after stepwise backward mode. PCA identifies the major source of air pollution is due to combustion of fossil fuels in motor vehicles and industrial activities. The ANN model shows a better prediction compared to the MLR model with R2 values equal to 0.819 and 0.773 respectively. This study presents that the chemometric techniques and modelling become an excellent tool in API assessment, air pollution source identification, apportionment and can be setbacks in designing an API monitoring network for effective air pollution resources management

Correlates of physical activity and sitting time in adults with type 2 diabetes attending primary health care in Oman

Abstract Background Despite evidence of the benefits of physical activity in the management of type 2 diabetes, it is poorly addressed in diabetes care. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and correlates of meeting ≥600MET-min/wk. (150 min/wk) of physical activity and sitting time in adults with type 2 diabetes in Oman. Approaches to encourage physical activity in diabetes care were explored. Methods A cross-sectional study using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was conducted in 17 randomly selected primary health centres in Muscat. Clinical data including co-morbidities were extracted from the health information system. Questions on physical activity preferences and approaches were included. Patients were approached if they were ≥18 years, and had been registered in the diabetes clinic for >2 years. Results The questionnaire was completed by 305 people (females 57% and males 43%). Mean age (SD) was 57 (10.8) years and mean BMI (SD) was 31.0 (6.0) kg/m2. Duration of diabetes ranged from 2 to 25 (mean 7.6) years. Hypertension (71%) and dyslipidaemia (62%) were common comorbidities. Most (58.4%) had an HbA1c ≥7% indicating poor glycaemic control (55% in males vs 61% in females). Physical activity recommendations were met by 21.6% of the participants, mainly through leisure activities. Odds of meeting the recommendations were significantly higher in males (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.5–9.1), individuals ≤57 years (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.6–5.9), those at active self-reported stages of change for physical activity (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1) and those reporting no barriers to performing physical activity (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4–4.9). Median (25th, 75th percentiles) sitting time was 705 (600, 780) min/d. Older age (>57 years) was associated with longer sitting time (>705 min/d) (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.7–4.6). Preferred methods to support physical activity in routine diabetes care were consultations (38%), structured physical activity sessions (13.4%) and referrals to physical activity facilities (5.6%) delivered by a variety of health care providers. Conclusions The results suggest that intervention strategies should take account of gender, age, opportunities within daily life to promote active behaviour and readiness to change. Offering physical activity consultations is of interest to this study population, thus development and evaluation of interventions are warranted