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Piezoelectric energy harvesting is the process of extracting electrical energy using energy harvester devices. Any stress in the piezoelectric material will generate induced voltage. Previous energy harvester device with stiff cantilever beam was generated low harvested energy. A flexural piezoelectric energy harvester is proposed to improve the generated harvesting energy. Polyvinylidene difluoride is a polymer piezoelectric material attached to a flexible circuit made of polyimide. Four interdigitated electrode circuits were designed and outsourced for fabrication. The polyvinylidene difluoride was then attached to the interdigitated electrode circuit, and a single clear adhesive tape was used to bind them. Four piezoelectric energy harvesters and ultrasonic ceramic generators were experimentally tested using a sieve shaker. The sieve shaker contains a two-speed oscillator, with M1=0.025 m/s and M2=0.05 m/s. It was used to oscillate the energy harvester devices. The resulting induced voltages were then measured. Design 4, with the widest width of electrode fingers and the widest gap between electrode fingers, had the highest power generated at an output load of 0.745 µW with the M2 oscillation speed. The oscillation speed of the sieve shaker impacted the energy harvester devices as a higher oscillation speed gave higher generated power.

Conventional farming is labor-consuming and the need to continuously monitor crops can be a burden for farmers. By realizing the concept of smart farming based on Internet of Things (IoT) technology, farmers can use a mobile application to observe and monitor air humidity, air temperature, and soil moisture–factors that can affect plant growth. Furthermore, the use of timers to control the pumps in conventional watering systems is not always practical in real-life cases. This paper proposes a framework that enables advanced fuzzy logic to control a pump’s switching time according to user-defined variables, whereby sensors are the main aspect of and contributor to the system. Our proposed idea offers great potential for excellent performance as an interface between the sensors as the input and the IoT as the output medium. A comparison is made between the proposed system and manual handling. The results prove that the water consumption and watering time has been reduced significantly.

This paper presents a simulation and characterization of piezoelectric macromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) based on planar electrodes. This small scale device with low power consumption is important as an underwater sensor. However, PMUT has a low sensitivity problem. Thus, PMUT based on planar electrodes are designed to improve the sensitivity of the PMUT. The designs are simulated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0. It is based on planar electrodes, cavity and multilayer membranes which can improve the transmitting and receiving sensitivity of ultrasonic transducer. The targeting application is for an underwater sensor with the range frequency in between 300 kHz to 800 kHz. Two characterizations are studied which are transmitting voltage response (TVR) and open circuit receiving response (OCRR). Three parameters are investigated namely the piezoelectric material, the thickness of PZT5H and electrode area. In simulation results, aluminium nitrate (AlN) has the highest in both TVR and OCRR. For the different PZT5H thicknesses, the highest transmitting sensitivity is obtained at the thickness of 300 μm meanwhile for highest receiving sensitivity is obtained at the thickness of 500 μm. It is found that the electrode area at 0.3 mm x 0.3 mm has the highest in both transmitting sensitivity and receiving sensitivity. Based on the targeted frequency design, PZT5H with a thickness of 200 μm and the electrode area of 0.5 mm x 0.5 mm is the most appropriate one.

The use of red, green, and blue ( RGB ) light-emitting-diode ( LED ) is a new trend in monochromatic colorimetric sensing due to cost-effective implementation. However, the application of RGB LED in pH measurement depends on the performance of the LED colour towards the colorimetric solution of interest, hence, needs to be evaluated. This work evaluated the performance of RGB LED for pH measurement system based on colorimetric approach using phenol red as a reagent. The main objective was to identify the LED colour with the best performance in terms of signal response and a bsorbance behavior. In this work, LED and photodiode were used as optical components and NI USB DAQ with LabView as the processing software. Four samples with known pH values were prepared and tested to obtain the voltage and absorbance behavior of each LED colour. Among all, the blue LED with wavelength ranged between 450 - 495 nm showed the best sensing behavior based on its linearity and error. Both voltage response and absorbance produced linear correlation with R 2=0.883 and R 2=0.9803, respectively. The significant finding from this study is useful in selecting the best RGB LED that is suitable for colorimetric pH measurement with phenol red as its colorimetric reagent.

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) are well known due to its cost effective and easy accessibility. The technique is commonly used in shipping maintenance to repair corrosion and erosion affected propeller blades. Recently, studies of the Friction Stir Process (FSP) have shown its capability to generate a very fine microstructure and enhancement of the metal surface properties. This paper proposes an integrated approach for repairing larger sized nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB) components using a single robotic system. The process includes surface cleaning, weld deposition (WD), welding deposition Friction Stir Process (WD-FSP), surface and contour finishing. The mechanical properties, including hardness, cavitation erosion and corrosion performance, are tested on as-cast NAB, WD and WD-FSP surfaces. The weld deposition and WD-FSP surfaces showed an enhancement in hardness compared to as-cast NAB. As for cavitations erosion and corrosion, the weld deposition and WD-FSP sample exhibited an improvement in the cumulative mass loss and shifting of the electrode potential to the more noble section signifying that using the proposed approach is feasible for NAB repair.

In acoustic receiver design, the receiving sensitivity and bandwidth are two primary parameters that determine the performance of a device. The trade-off between sensitivity and bandwidth makes the design very challenging, meaning it needs to be fine-tuned to suit specific applications. The ability to design a PMUT with high receiving sensitivity and a wide bandwidth is crucial to allow a wide spectrum of transmitted frequencies to be efficiently received. This paper presents a novel structure involving a double flexural membrane with a fluidic backing layer based on an in-plane polarization mode to optimize both the receiving sensitivity and frequency bandwidth for medium-range underwater acoustic applications. In this structure, the membrane material and electrode configuration are optimized to produce good receiving sensitivity. Simultaneously, a fluidic backing layer is introduced into the double flexural membrane to increase the bandwidth. Several piezoelectric membrane materials and various electrode dimensions were simulated using finite element analysis (FEA) techniques to study the receiving performance of the proposed structure. The final structure was then fabricated based on the findings from the simulation work. The pulse–echo experimental method was used to characterize and verify the performance of the proposed device. The proposed structure was found to have an improved bandwidth of 56.6% with a receiving sensitivity of −1.8864 dB rel 1 V µPa. For the proposed device, the resonance frequency and center frequency were 600 and 662.5 kHz, respectively, indicating its suitability for the targeted frequency range.

Research in prognosis maintenance, a branch of condition-based maintenance has received more attention from researchers lately. They focus on predicting when is the most suitable time to perform maintenance. Our review suggests that investigation on feature extraction in development of prognosis prediction model is still limited. This paper presents our study to find the most effective method for features extraction from maintenance monitoring data. The chosen features set should effectively improve the prognosis maintenance model performance. There have been several investigations to study feature extraction methods; however, the appropriate one is yet to be identified. In this research, we used datasets publicly available from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) army research laboratory. These datasets were generated through a simulation of the turbofan engine by using Commercial Modular Aero-Propulsion System Simulation (CMAPSS) software developed by NASA army research laboratory. Features extraction methods such as correlation among sensors, correlation among the outputs, variable weighing and treated data methods were studied in this research. Next, the extracted features were applied to the regression tree for searching an appropriate prognosis model. Based on the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) prediction results, the correlation among sensors method was found as the best method that can represent the most useful features for the prediction model.

Introduction Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are new smoking devices that have gained popularity recently. However, there is limited evidence on e-cigarette consumption in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the prevalence, risk factors and perception associated with e-cigarette use among those attending government hospitals and health clinics in Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in seven public hospitals and health clinics in Malaysia, which were selected through a twostage cluster sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain data from the selected participants. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine the association between sociodemographics and perceptions of e-cigarette use. Results Almost three-quarters (73.6%; n=923/1254) of participants were aware of e-cigarettes and 13.2% (n=122/923) reported having ever used e-cigarettes. The prevalence was significantly higher among males (18.1%), smokers (21.4%), and younger age group 18–34 years (30.2%). Ever users showed favourable perceptions towards e-cigarettes compared to non-users (23.3% vs 30.14%, p

Background Worldwide, success rates for quitting smoking have been stagnant for decades despite advancement in pharmacotherapy. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a current smoking cessation treatment programme which implemented the modified UK Standard Treatment Plan based on the NHS Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT). Methods We conducted a double-arm, cluster-randomised controlled trial with 1-month, 3-months and 6-months follow-ups among newly registered smokers seeking quit smoking services from 19 public hospitals in Malaysia. Smokers were assigned to either NCSCT behaviour modification (treatment group; n = 330) or usual care (control group; n = 172). The intervention was administered by dedicated health staff trained in the NCSCT. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires, with validation conducted using expired air carbon monoxide measurement. Intention-to-treat analysis was adopted, with smokers who did not return for follow-ups considered smoking. Multiple logistic regression was conducted using a backward elimination model to assess the repeated measures treatment effect of quitting for each point of follow-up. Results No significant difference was discernible between the intervention and control group other than: first cigarette of the day (p=0.05), urge to smoke (p=0.020), method of quitting (p=0.018) and COppm level (p=0.0234) at baseline. Compared to the control group, individuals from the intervention group were more likely to quit successfully at 1-month, 3-months and 6-months follow-up (OR=1.698, OR=3.395, and OR=3.506 respectively). Older individuals were also more likely to abstain at 1-month, 3-months and 6-months follow-up (OR= 1.015, OR=1.022 and OR=1.032 respectively). Individuals who smoked at home were less likely to abstain at 1-month, 3-months and 6-months follow-up (OR= 0.637, OR=0.592 and OR=0.385 respectively). Conclusions The modified Standard Treatment Programme appears superior to routine care practice in maintaining follow up sessions among smokers due to its structured and organized sessions.

Brunei Darussalam is rich in natural resources, including fossil fuels and biodiversity, which it uses to develop its economy, while at the same time, conserve them in order to ensure that it maintains a clean and green environment. However, as a developing Islamic nation, Brunei Darussalam cannot escape from creating an undesirable change to its environment. Pollution is considered to be one of the most critical problems facing the environment today. Haze and solid waste are among the most prominent kinds of pollution in the country. The paper will look into the attitudes of the largely-Muslim society in Brunei Darussalam on environmental pollution, and their knowledge and behaviour regarding this issue. Finally, the paper attempts to explain what seems to be uncaring attitude and behaviour among Muslims in Brunei Darussalam towards environmental issues.

Robotic friction stir processing (FSP) has not been widely researched to date. This is perhaps due to the limited force capabilities of industrial robots in comparison with dedicated commercial FSP equipment. When operating a FSP machine, the force used to plunge the tools may range from 5000 to 8000 N which is currently beyond the capability of most robots. However, the capacity of robotic manipulators is increasing, so low force friction stir processing is becoming feasible. The ability of the robot arm to apply a controlled force that is normal to a 3-dimensional surface without the need to reorient the workpiece makes it a very useful tool for FSP of complex components. In this analysis, a robot arm with a capacity of 2500 N is used to improve the surface properties of nickel aluminum bronze (NAB) using low force FSP. Multiple passes were applied to the surface of the test sample for a more consistent spread of the stir zone. The sample was then microhardness tested and demonstrated a 62 pct increase in surface hardness. Cavitation erosion testing of the original and processed surfaces was also performed as per ASTM G-32. The erosion rate of the processed NAB sample was 44 pct of the rate experienced by the original cast NAB sample. Finally, the corrosion potentials of FSP NAB were measured at 45 mV less anodic than the unprocessed material, indicating that the processed material is more noble relative to the cast NAB sample.

Brunei Darussalam is a peaceful and prosperous nation in Southeast Asia, sheltered from heavy industrialisation and excessive exploitation of its natural resources. Decades of dependence on oil and natural gas have brought wealth, but at the same time placed the small nation in a dilemma over the failure of its economy to diversify. Tourism has been distinguished as one of the key areas which can remedy the country's economic condition. Adamant in embracing sustainable development – development that promotes the quality of life of people, economic prosperity and environmental protection – the country is keen to ensure that it adopts a sustainable approach to developing its tourism industry. This paper attempts to identify the prospect as well as challenges of sustainable tourism in Brunei Darussalam from the perspective of the business organisations or enterprises in the tourism industry, based on data that were collected from a survey conducted among travel, transport, hospitality and visitor attraction sectors in the country.

Background: Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) was defined as prognostically relevant myocardial injury due to ischemia that occurs during or within 30 days after noncardiac surgery. The study’s four objectives were to determine the diagnostic criteria, characteristics, predictors, and 30-day outcomes of MINS. Methods: In this international, prospective cohort study of 15,065 patients aged 45 yr or older who underwent in-patient noncardiac surgery, troponin T was measured during the first 3 postoperative days. Patients with a troponin T level of 0.04 ng/ml or greater (elevated “abnormal” laboratory threshold) were assessed for ischemic features (i.e., ischemic symptoms and electrocardiography findings). Patients adjudicated as having a nonischemic troponin elevation (e.g., sepsis) were excluded. To establish diagnostic criteria for MINS, the authors used Cox regression analyses in which the dependent variable was 30-day mortality (260 deaths) and independent variables included preoperative variables, perioperative complications, and potential MINS diagnostic criteria. Results: An elevated troponin after noncardiac surgery, irrespective of the presence of an ischemic feature, independently predicted 30-day mortality. Therefore, the authors’ diagnostic criterion for MINS was a peak troponin T level of 0.03 ng/ml or greater judged due to myocardial ischemia. MINS was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.96–5.08) and had the highest population-attributable risk (34.0%, 95% CI, 26.6–41.5) of the perioperative complications. Twelve hundred patients (8.0%) suffered MINS, and 58.2% of these patients would not have fulfilled the universal definition of myocardial infarction. Only 15.8% of patients with MINS experienced an ischemic symptom. Conclusion: Among adults undergoing noncardiac surgery, MINS is common and associated with substantial mortality.

Tourism is one of the sectors believed to be able to contribute to the process of economic diversification in Brunei Darussalam. Kampong Ayer, which literally means ‘Water Village’ is one of the obligatory tourism attractions in the country, as there is an expression that says that a visit to Brunei Darussalam is not valid if one does not visit Kampong Ayer. Although there exists a tourism potential, there are challenges that must be addressed in order to promote tourism in Kampong Ayer, and to convince tourists of the uniqueness of this historic place. These include waste disposal problems, crime, loss of authenticity, as well as the lack of information, facilities and tourist services in Kampong Ayer. Aside from the prospect of generating income, tourism development in Kampong Ayer can also lead to the preservation and revival of the socio-cultural heritage of its community.

The increasing number of the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines usage in the manufacturing field appears to suggest that they are expected to be in good running condition. Machine tools such as CNC vertical milling machines are meant to produce precise work parts. Motion errors are factors which can directly affect the accuracy of the machine. This study presents an opportunity for interested parties to understand the characteristics of motion errors that exist in the CNC vertical milling machines with different feed rate settings. The purpose of this project is to find out any abnormalities apparent to the machine performance as the feed rate setting is increased. The motion errors of the CNC machines were examined by using a measuring device, namely Double Ball Bar (DBB). This equipment is designed to examine machine performance by measuring the accuracy of its movements. This device, which has two balls of identical size at the end of the bar, was mounted on a spindle and onto a special holder which is mounted on the working table. The machine is programmed to move in a circular motion, clockwise and anti-clockwise in three planes, XY, YZ and ZX. Any deviation from the standard data will represent the imperfection of the machines condition, especially mechanical components such as the slide bearing, spindle bearing or servo motor responses. By knowing the most significant error origin, the corrective countermeasures can then be carried out.

Three new compounds, 4-hydroxymethylene-7-(9,9,13-trimethylcyclohexyl)-heptanyl-3′,7′,7′-trimethylcyclohexa-2′,4′-dien-1′-oate (1), 1-(n-hexadec-7-enoxy)-6-(n-octadecanoxy)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), and (Z)-12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid-12-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), along with the known compound hexacosanoic acid (4), were isolated and identified from the rice hulls of Oryza sativa. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques (1H-1H COSY, 1H-13C HETCOR, DEPT) aided by EIMS, FABMS, HRFABMS, and IR spectra.

Increased metabolic activity of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in tissue is not only resulting of pathological uptake, but due to physiological uptake as well. This study aimed to determine the impacts of biological and procedural factors on FDG uptake of liver in whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging.Whole body fluorine-18 ((18)F) FDG PET/CT scans of 51 oncology patients have been reviewed. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of lesion-free liver was quantified in each patient. Pearson correlation was performed to determine the association between the factors of age, body mass index (BMI), blood glucose level, FDG dose and incubation period and liver SUVmax. Multivariate regression analysis was established to determine the significant factors that best predicted the liver SUVmax. Then the subjects were dichotomised into four BMI groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was established for mean difference of SUVmax of liver between those BMI groups.BMI and incubation period were significantly associated with liver SUVmax. These factors were accounted for 29.6% of the liver SUVmax variance. Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean SUVmax of liver among those BMI groups (P0.05).BMI and incubation period are significant factors affecting physiological FDG uptake of liver. It would be recommended to employ different cut-off value for physiological liver SUVmax as a reference standard for different BMI of patients in PET/CT interpretation and use a standard protocol for incubation period of patient to reduce variation in physiological FDG uptake of liver in PET/CT study.

One new compound 3,7,11,15,19-pentamethyl-9α,10α,11α,17α,18α-pentahydroxy-n-tetracosan-1-oxy-p-hydroxycaffeoate (oryzaterpenyl caffeoate) (1), together with three known fatty acids linoleic acid, stearic acid and myristic acid were isolated and identified from the rice grain of Oryza sativa. The structure of the new compound was elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques (1H-1HCOSY, 1H-13C HETCOR) aided by EI-MS, and IR spectra.

The year 2004, marking the 20th anniversary of Brunei's independence, signalled unexpected change as the Legislative Council was reinstated after being suspended since 1984. The performance of the economy was lacklustre despite record oil prices. However, the country continued to enjoy peace and stability. The event of the year that most occupied public and media attention was the royal wedding of the Crown Prince.

A novel approach for designing a narrow dual Bandpass Filter (BPF) using microstrip Coupled-Line Resonator (CLR) is presented in this paper. The proposed CLR consists of butterfly radial stub and 45° mitred bending with new 'bell'-shaped structure. The proposed BPF consisting of two fundamental resonant modes with the resonant characteristic has been investigated using ADS software. To validate the design and analysis, the dual BPF was fabricated and measured. It is shown that the measured and simulated performances are in good agreement. A dual-band response BPF that operates at 2.4 GHz and 5.75 GHz is designed and implemented for wireless applications.

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia and headache frequently co-exist, but the clinical implication of this association is uncertain. We planned to examine the prevalence and impact of dyspepsia in adults with headache. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a secondary care setting. Clinical, psychological and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) data were compared between subjects with headache and controls (non-headache subjects). The impact of dyspepsia was analysed further in subjects with headache alone. RESULTS: 280 subjects (93 cases with headache and 187 matched controls) were recruited. The following baseline characteristics of subjects were as follows: mean age 45.0 ± 17.3 years, 57.0% females and ethnic distribution-Malaysian = 45 (48.4%), Chinese n = 24 (25.8%) and Indians n = 24 (25.8%). Headache sub-types among cases with headache were as follows: tension-type headache (TTH) n = 53 (57.0%) and migraine n = 40 (43.0%). Dyspepsia was more prevalent in cases with headache compared to controls (25.8% vs 12.8%, p = 0.011), and headache was independently associated with dyspepsia (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.39-5.43). Among cases with headache, there was a trend towards a higher prevalence of dyspepsia in those with migraine (27.5%) compared to TTH (24.5%). Subjects with headache and dyspepsia, compared to those with headache alone, had a greater severity of headache symptoms (63.67 ± 22.85 mm vs 51.20 ± 24.0 mm VAS, p = 0.029). Overall HRQOL scores were lower in headache subjects with dyspepsia (EQ-5D summary score 0.82 ± 0.18 vs 0.90 ± 0.16, p = 0.037 and EQ-5D VAS 62.08 ± 17.50 mm vs 72.62 ± 18.85 mm, p = 0.018), compared to those without dyspepsia. CONCLUSION: Dyspepsia is associated with more severe headache symptoms and results in a lower HRQOL in patients with headache.

Background: Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) was defined as prognostically relevant myocardial injury due to ischemia that occurs during or within 30 days after noncardiac surgery. The study's four objectives were to determine the diagnostic criteria, characteristics, predictors, and 30-day outcomes of MINS. Methods: In this international, prospective cohort study of 15,065 patients aged 45 yr or older who underwent in-patient noncardiac surgery, troponin T was measured during the first 3 postoperative days. Patients with a troponin T level of 0.04 ng/ml or greater (elevated abnormal laboratory threshold) were assessed for ischemic features (i.e., ischemic symptoms and electrocardiography findings). Patients adjudicated as having a nonischemic troponin elevation (e.g., sepsis) were excluded. To establish diagnostic criteria for MINS, the authors used Cox regression analyses in which the dependent variable was 30-day mortality (260 deaths) and independent variables included preoperative variables, perioperative complications, and potential MINS diagnostic criteria. Results: An elevated troponin after noncardiac surgery, irrespective of the presence of an ischemic feature, independently predicted 30-day mortality. Therefore, the authors' diagnostic criterion for MINS was a peak troponin T level of 0.03 ng/ml or greater judged due to myocardial ischemia. MINS was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.96-5.08) and had the highest population-attributable risk (34.0%, 95% CI, 26.6-41.5) of the perioperative complications. Twelve hundred patients (8.0%) suffered MINS, and 58.2% of these patients would not have fulfilled the universal definition of myocardial infarction. Only 15.8% of patients with MINS experienced an ischemic symptom. Conclusion: Among adults undergoing noncardiac surgery, MINS is common and associated with substantial mortality.

A 0.7 dB (min.) low noise figure PHEMT LNA at 5.8 GHz using an inductive drain feedback that is applicable to the WiMAX 802.16 standard. The amplifier uses FHX76LP superHEMT low noise FET. The Ansoft Designer was used during the design process. The low noise amplifier (LNA) produced the forward transfer gain (S21) of 43.74 dB. The return loss (S12), input reflection (S11) and output reflection (S22) are -52.41 dB, -10.60 dB, -18.22 dB respectively. The measured 3dB bandwidth of 1.24 GHz has been achieved. The input sensitivity is -80 dBm compliant the standards required by IEEE 802.16.

The main goal of this work is to investigate the performance of zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) and ZTA reinforced with magnesium oxide (MgO) used as cutting insert in end milling of AISI 1018 steel with hardness of 27 HRC. Performances of the cutting insert were compared according to tool life and surface finish of workpiece. Insert flank wear that indicates tool life was studied carefully using Optical 3D Surface Metrology. Surface roughness values were evaluated using Surftest Sufrcom 130A. Both of the cutting inserts failed to exhibit good performance in end milling operation. However, wear condition and magnitude of the ZTA reinforced with MgO insert was slightly better than ZTA insert. Addition of MgO may increase wear resistance.

Background Somatic mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are reportedly associated with various responses in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving the anti-EGFR agents. Detection of the mutation therefore plays an important role in therapeutic decision making. The aim of this study was to detect EGFR mutations in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples using both Scorpion ARMS and high resolution melt (HRM) assay, and to compare the sensitivity of these methods. Results All of the mutations were found in adenocarcinoma, except one that was in squamous cell carcinoma. The mutation rate was 45.7% (221/484). Complex mutations were also observed, wherein 8 tumours carried 2 mutations and 1 tumour carried 3 mutations. Conclusions Both methods detected EGFR mutations in FFPE samples. HRM assays gave more EGFR positive results compared to Scorpion ARMS.

Toxic metals like lead, bismuth, mercury and zinc-aranyl have been found to repress the carbonaceous oxygen demand. The biological seed was developed from trade waste of Glaxo Laboratories. Three concentrations: 5, 10 and 15 mg 1 −1 of the metals were used to observe repression of carbonaceous oxygen demand of amino acid, methionine, used as substrate. Rate constants, ratios of ( t / y ) 1.3 and COD: BOD were computed.

Atomic absorption spectrophotometric studies were carried out to detect the presence of Cd and Zn in samples of fifteen commercial fertilisers, fifteen productive soils, eight barren soils, four garden soils and fifteen river water samples. The concentrations of Cd and Zn in fertilisers, productive soils, barren soils, garden soils and river water were recorded as 1·2–7·9 and 17–3070 mg kg −1 , 0·9–5·9 and 55–95 mg kg −1 0·04–0·06 and 7·5–10 mg kg −1 , 0·4–0·75 and 7·8–11 mg kg −1 and 0·5–2·3 and 8·5–18·5 mg litre −1 , respectively. In addition, soil samples were analysed for sand, silt, clay, pH, electrical conductivity, water soluble salts, osmotic pressure, cation exchange capacity, CaCO 3 and organic matter.

Assessment of completeness of vagotomy has always been an irksome and time-consuming affair. The commonly employed test of insulin-induced hypoglycaemia (Hollander) is tedious, risky and associated with practical limitations and theoretical objections, which have resulted in its being replaced by the modified sham feed technique in some centres. The postprandial alkaline tide is attributed to HCO3− release consequent to H+ secretion. Any procedure which reduces acid secretion is expected to affect the postprandial urinary pH. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of vagotomy on the postprandial alkaline tide by measuring prevagotomy and postvagotomy fasting and postprandial urinary pH. The results show that postprandial urinary pH falls after vagotomy and this method may be used to assess the completeness of vagotomy. The proposed test is convenient and may be used as a screening method in the assessment of vagotomy and other acid reducing operative procedures, if further validated, by comparison with already established tests.