Parallel Process Techniques for 3D Model-Based Vision

A thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosoph

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT FOR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN SULAWESI, INDONESIA; QUANTITATIVE APPROACH

The purpose of the study is to examine the real process of strategic planning and performance measurement within public universities in Sulawesi, Indonesia. The specific objective is to focus on strategic planning, performance measurement and associate the findings with the objectives of Higher Education Long Term Strategy from Indonesian Directorate General Higher Education. Quantitative methodology approach with an empirical survey was conducted based on questionnaires. The findings revealed that the process of strategic planning in public universities was consistent with the Higher Education Long Term Strategy guidelines. However, public universities faced challenges to their achievement of all targets. The relationships between strategic planning and performance measurement were positively related, however, the organisational performance could be improved if programs in strategic planning could be more fully implemented. This influenced the refinement of the balanced scorecard approach into a performance measurement model for public universities. The study culminated in the development of a performance measurement model

Analysis of Chemically Deposited Copper Sulphide Thin Films

Thin films of Copper Sulphide (CuS) have been fabricated by chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique on glass substrates at room temperature .The structural, morphological and optical properties were investigated. The samples used for XRD and SEM studies were found to be amorphous for the as- deposited and annealed (573k). Film thickness was found to depend on molar concentration of complexing agent. Spectrophotometric analysis of the as- deposited films revealed  peak  values  of  96.30%, 52.97% and 76.09% respectively  for  absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance respectively. Average values of refractive index (n) ranged between 1.18 and 2.47.Optical band gap values for the films are in the range 2.30eV and 2.44eV. Films could find applications in devices for photovoltaic conversion of solar energy, as window coatings and gas sensors. Keywords: Copper sulphide, chemically deposited, band gap, thin fil

Nutrition and family living profile of rural households in Mbaitoli local government area, Imo state, Nigeria

The study assessed nutrition and family living profile of rural households in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analyses used such statistical and econometric tools like frequency counts, percentages, regression and per capita household food expenditure (PCHFE). Results showed that majority of the respondents were literate, married, still young, energetic and vibrant being able to carry out manual work. Family responsibilities are borne by both the male and female respondents. Majority of the respondents are living in their personal houses, used water system and waste bin as their waste disposal methods. Cost of food items was the major factor that determined their choice of food. In addition, majority of the respondents had their meals 3 times daily and had intake of food supplements. The mean MPCHE was ₦8634.129. This indicates that majority of the respondents had low level of consumption (standard of living). This situation would negatively affect the level of nutrition. Finally, age, number of years spent in acquiring formal education, marital status and household size were significant factors influencing amount spent on food weekly, while poverty, inadequate health institution and poor sanitary condition were the major factors hindering healthy family living. Given the findings we recommended that government and relevant nutrition agencies in the state and local government area should create awareness on the need for adequate nutrition and right attitudes towards making the right choice of food and combining the food sources available in their meals. This measure would help boost the nutritional status of individuals and avoid ill-health.Key Words: nutrition, family-living, profile, rural, household

Technology of crack detection in reinforced concrete structures

Some crucial signs of structural failure that are critical for repair would be cracks on the structures as well as constant exposure that can result in severe environmental damage. Being able to detect cracks on structures is becoming an essential aspect of the technology of the construction industry. Destructive Testing and Non-Destructive Testing are the two methods used for structural crack detection. This study focused on the techniques used to detect cracks. Several effective methods to detect cracks were carried out and compared to identify the most suitable method in detecting cracks on structures within the demographics of Malaysia. Image processing techniques (IPTs) through the photogrammetry method, surface crack analysis program and Convolution Neural Network (CNN) were carried out to examine crack detection through measurement and monitoring from images. The distance was determined in this study for the physical properties, using both conductibility and accuracy. The photogrammetry method was able to conduct distance at 0.1 - 40 m, with an accuracy of up to 0.005 mm. Therefore, the surface cracks analysis provided 0.10 mm accuracy, while results on CNN had an accuracy of 0.95 mm (98.22 % and 97.95 % in training and validation). Results from physical properties showed that photogrammetry had the highest accuracy, while CNN has the least accuracy. Hence, this study concluded that Photogrammetry method and Convolution Neural Network (CNN) were both the most effective methods to be used in providing clear information and effective ways to detect crack on structures

Retrograde Tempofilter II™ Placement within the Superior Vena Cava in a Patient with Acute Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis: the Filter Stands on Its Head

The Tempofilter II is a widely used temporary vena cava filter. Its unique design, which includes a long tethering catheter with a subcutaneous anchor, facilitates the deployment and retrieval of the device. Despite this, the Tempofilter II has been used only in the inferior vena cava of patients with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. In this article, we present a case of superior vena cava filtering using the Tempofilter II in patients with upper extremity deep venous thrombosis

Splenotoxic Potentials of Chloroquine, Fansidar, Cotecxin and Amalar

The Histologic studies on the spleen was carried out with Chloroquine, Fansidar, Cotecxin and Amalar to observe any pathologic effect(s) on the tissue on comparative basis. The study revealed some degenerated white pulps and wider interstitial spaces with chloroquine drug not observed in control samples. Also animals with fansidar administration showed clumping of periateriolar lymphoid cells in the white pulp not shown in the control group without any drug. In the Amalar group the spleen showed sinuisoidal dilation in the red pulp with macrophages scattered around it but not in the form of activation. For cotecxin drug there was the degeneration of periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths with residue of the infiltrated cells in the arterioles. It is concluded that chloroquine, fansidar, cotecxin may induce jaundice and splenic disorders. Keywords: splenomegaly, splenic rupture, anti-malaria drugs

Assessment of Intracellular and Extracellular Fluids (Icf, Ecf) Compartments with Antimal, Chloroquine, Coartem, Fansidar and Malareich

Quantitative assay with spectrophotometer was used in the determination of plasma sodium, potassium and chloride concentration in the administration of antimal, chloroquine, coartem, fansidar and malareich antimalaria drugs. In the antimal group there was no significant difference in the sodium, potassium and chloride concentration in the plasma when compared with control (P>0.05). Also in the chloroquine group, the sodium and chloride concentrations were not significantly different from the control (P>0.05). However, there was low concentration of potassium which was significant when compared with control (P<0.05). In the Fansidar administration there was no significant difference in sodium, potassium and chloride concentration when compared with control, (P>0.05). Also in the malareich group, the sodium and chloride concentrations showed no significant difference with the control (P>0.05). But there was significant difference in potassium concentration when compared with control (P<0.05). The study observed that chloroquine and malareich therapy affect extracellular fluid compartment of the body and induced hypokalaemia which may result in deficit cell membrane potential and the related general body muscle weakness. Keyword: Hypokalaemia, antimalarials, ICF, ECF