Crack location in beams by data fusion of fractal dimension features of laser-measured operating deflection shapes

R.B. Bai,X.G. Song,M. Radzieński,W. Ostachowicz,S.S. Wang,M.S. Cao 국제구조공학회 2014 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.13 No.6

The objective of this study is to develop a reliable method for locating cracks in a beam usingdata fusion of fractal dimension features of operating deflection shapes. The Katz’s fractal dimension curveof an operating deflection shape is used as a basic feature of damage. Like most available damage features,the Katz’s fractal dimension curve has a notable limitation in characterizing damage: it is unresponsive todamage near the nodes of structural deformation responses, e.g., operating deflection shapes. To address thislimitation, data fusion of Katz’s fractal dimension curves of various operating deflection shapes is used tocreate a sophisticated fractal damage feature, the ‘overall Katz’s fractal dimension curve’. This overallKatz’s fractal dimension curve has the distinctive capability of overcoming the nodal effect of operatingdeflection shapes so that it maximizes responsiveness to damage and reliability of damage localization. Themethod is applied to the detection of damage in numerical and experimental cases of cantilever beams withsingle/multiple cracks, with high-resolution operating deflection shapes acquired by a scanning laservibrometer. Results show that the overall Katz’s fractal dimension curve can locate single/multiple cracks inbeams with significantly improved accuracy and reliability in comparison to the existing method. Datafusion of fractal dimension features of operating deflection shapes provides a viable strategy for identifyingdamage in beam-type structures, with robustness against node effects.

First record of the cyanobacterial genus Wilmottia (Coleofasciculaceae, Oscillatoriales) from the South Orkney Islands (Antarctica)

Radzi, Ranina,Merican, Faradina,Broady, Paul,Convey, Peter,Muangmai, Narongrit,Omar, Wan Maznah Wan,Lavoue, Sebastien The Korean Society of Phycology 2021 ALGAE Vol.36 No.2

Two cyanobacterial morphotypes isolated from Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, maritime Antarctica were characterised using a polyphasic approach combining morphological, cytological and molecular analyses. These analyses showed that the strains grouped with members of the genus Wilmottia. This genus currently includes three species, W. murrayi, W. stricta, and W. koreana. Both morphotypes analysed in this study were placed within the clade of W. murrayi. This clade showed a well-supported separation from Antarctic and New Zealand strains, as well as strains from other regions. W. murrayi was first described from Antarctica and is now known from several Antarctic regions. Confirmation of the occurrence of W. murrayi at Signy Island significantly extends its known distribution in Antarctica. In addition, a new combination, W. arthurensis, is suggested for Phormidium arthurensis.

Incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer in Malaysia

Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan,Ibtisam Ismail,Mohd Azri Mohd Suan,Faizah Ahmad,Wan Khamizar Wan Khazim,Zabedah Othman,Rosaida Mat Said,Wei Leong Tan,Siti Rahmah @ Noor Syahireen Mohammed,Shahrul Aiman Soel 한국역학회 2016 Epidemiology and Health Vol.38 No.-

OBJECTIVES: This is the first study that estimates the incidence and mortality rate for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in Malaysia by sex and ethnicity. METHODS: The 4,501 patients were selected from National Cancer Patient Registry-Colorectal Cancer data. Patient survival status was cross-checked with the National Registration Department. The age-standardised rate (ASR) was calculated as the proportion of CRC cases (incidence) and deaths (mortality) from 2008 to 2013, weighted by the age structure of the population, as determined by the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the World Health Organization world standard population distribution. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate for CRC was 21.32 cases per 100,000. Those of Chinese ethnicity had the highest CRC incidence (27.35), followed by the Malay (18.95), and Indian (17.55) ethnicities. The ASR incidence rate of CRC was 1.33 times higher among males than females (24.16 and 18.14 per 100,000, respectively). The 2011 (44.7%) CRC deaths were recorded. The overall ASR of mortality was 9.79 cases, with 11.85 among the Chinese, followed by 9.56 among the Malays and 7.08 among the Indians. The ASR of mortality was 1.42 times higher among males (11.46) than females (8.05). CONCLUSIONS: CRC incidence and mortality is higher in males than females. Individuals of Chinese ethnicity have the highest incidence of CRC, followed by the Malay and Indian ethnicities. The same trends were observed for the age-standardised mortality rate.

Development of a three-dimensional printed heart from computed tomography images of a plastinated specimen for learning anatomy

Shairah Radzi,Heang Kuan Joel Tan,Gerald Jit Shen Tan,Wai Yee Yeong,Michael Alan Ferenczi,Naomi Low-Beer,Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali 대한해부학회 2020 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.53 No.1

Learning anatomy is commonly facilitated by use of cadavers, plastic models and more recently three-dimensional printed (3DP) anatomical models as they allow students to physically touch and hold the body segments. However, most existing models are limited to surface features of the specimen, with little opportunity to manipulate the structures. There is much interest in developing better 3DP models suitable for anatomy education. This study aims to determine the feasibility of developing a multi-material 3DP heart model, and to evaluate students’ perceptions of the model. Semi-automated segmentation was performed on computed tomgoraphy plastinated heart images to develop its 3D digital heart model. Material jetting was used as part of the 3D printing process so that various colors and textures could be assigned to the individual segments of the model. Morphometric analysis was conducted to quantify the differences between the printed model and the plastinated heart. Medical students’ opinions were sought using a 5-point Likert scale. The 3DP full heart was anatomically accurate, pliable and compressible to touch. The major vessels of the heart were color-coded for easy recognition. Morphometric analysis of the printed model was comparable with the plastinated heart. Students were positive about the quality of the model and the majority of them reported that the model was useful for their learning and that they would recommend their use for anatomical education. The successful feasibility study and students’ positive views suggest that the development of multi-material 3DP models is promising for medical education.

Survival Analysis and Prognostic Factors for Colorectal Cancer Patients in Malaysia

Hassan, Muhammad Radzi Abu,Suan, Mohd Azri Mohd,Soelar, Shahrul Aiman,Mohammed, Noor Syahireen,Ismail, Ibtisam,Ahmad, Faizah Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.7

Background: Cancer survival analysis is an essential indicator for effective early detection and improvements in cancer treatment. This study was undertaken to document colorectal cancer survival and associated prognostic factors in Malaysians. Materials and Methods: All data were retrieved from the National Cancer Patient Registry-Colorectal Cancer. Only cases with confirmed diagnosis through histology between the year 2008 and 2009 were included. Retrieved data include socio-demographic information, pathological features and treatment received. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis of all variables was then made using the Log-rank test. All significant factors that influenced survival of patients were further analysed in a multivariate analysis using Cox' regression. Results: Total of 1,214 patients were included in the study. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 59.1% and 48.7%, respectively. Patients with localized tumours had better prognosis compared to those with advanced stage cancer. In univariate analysis, staging at diagnosis (p<0.001), primary tumour size (p<0.001), involvement of lymph nodes (p<0.001) and treatment modalities (p=0.001) were found to be predictors of survival. None of the socio-demographic characteristics were found to exert any influence. In Cox regression analysis, staging at diagnosis (p<0.001), primary tumour size (p<0.001), involvement of lymph nodes (p<0.001) and treatment modalities (p<0.001) were determined as independent prognostic factors of survival after adjusted for age, gender and ethnicity. Conclusions: The overall survival rate for colorectal cancer patients in Malaysia is similar to those in other Asian countries, with staging at diagnosis, primary tumor size, involvement of lymph node and treatment modalities having significant effects. More efforts are needed to improve national survival rates in future.

Through Rose-Tinted Glasses

Wiradati Mohd. Radzi,Raihanah Abdullah 숙명여자대학교 아시아여성연구소 2010 Asian Women Vol.26 No.3

Effect of Alkaline Treatment on Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties of Roselle/Sugar Palm Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Hybrid Composites

A. M. Radzi,S. M. Sapuan,M. Jawaid,M. R. Mansor 한국섬유공학회 2019 Fibers and polymers Vol.20 No.4

The aim for this work is to investigate the effect of alkaline treatment on the mechanical, physical and thermalproperties of roselle (RF)/sugar palm fiber (SPF) reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane hybrid composites. RF/SPF hybridcomposites were fabricated at different NaOH concentrations (3 %, 6 % and 9 %) by melt mixing and compression molding. The mechanical, physical and thermal properties of RF/SPF hybrid composites were measured. The morphological propertiesof the tensile fractured sample were examined using scanning electron microscope. Obtained results indicated that the effectof NaOH treatment on the surface improved mechanical, physical and thermal properties accompanied by lower impactresistance. The highest tensile is 14.26 MPa, flexural strength is 14.05 MPa and impact strength is 23.76 kJ/M2) was obtainedfrom treatment 6 % NaOH concentration on RF/SPF hybrid composites. Adhesion bonding between fiber and matrix wasevident by using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of hybrid composite tensile fractured. Scanning electronmicrograph of tensile fractured surfaces of the NaOH treated RF/SPF hybrid composites revealed good adhesion bondingbetween fiber and matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to observe the effectiveness of NaOHtreatment in the removal impurities on fiber surfaces. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the treated RF/SPF hybridcomposites had improved the thermal stability. Physical properties showed lower water uptake of the treated thermoplasticpolyurethane hybrid composites. The lowest water uptake is 7.97 % and thickness swelling is 6.49 % obtained from 9 %NaOH concentration after soaked in water for 7 days. Overall, the surface treatment on RF/SPF hybrid composite hasenhanced the composite properties and suitable for automotive part application; battery holder and bottom based.

Evaluation of a Colorectal Carcinoma Screening Program in Kota Setar and Kuala Muda Districts, Malaysia

Abu Hassan, Muhammad Radzi,Leong, Tan Wei,Andu, Delarina Frimawati Othman,Hat, Habshoh,Mustapha, Nik Raihan Nik Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.2

Background: A colorectal cancer screening program was piloted in two districts of Kedah in 2013. There is scarcity of information on colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia. Objective: Thus, this research was conducted to evaluate the colorectal cancer screening program in the districts to provide insights intop its efficacy. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using data on the colorectal cancer screening program in 2013 involving Kota Setar and Kuala Muda districts in Malaysia. We determined the response rate of immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT), colonoscopy compliance, and detection rates of neoplasia and carcinoma. We also compared the response of FOBT by demographic background. Results: The response rate of FOBT for first iFOBT screening was 94.7% while the second iFOBT screening was 90.7%. Participants from Kuala Muda district were 27 times more likely to default while Indians had a 3 times higher risk of default compared to Malays. The colonoscopy compliance was suboptimal among those with positive iFOBT. The most common finding from colonoscopy was hemorrhoids, followed by tubular adenoma. Detection rate of carcinoma and neoplasia for our program was 1.2%. Conclusions: In summary, the response rate of iFOBT was encouraging but the colonoscopy compliance was suboptimal which led to a considerably low detection rate.

A Simplified Synchronous Reference Frame for Indirect Current Controlled Three-level Inverter-based Shunt Active Power Filters

Hoon, Yap,Radzi, Mohd Amran Mohd,Hassan, Mohd Khair,Mailah, Nashiren Farzilah,Wahab, Noor Izzri Abdul The Korean Institute of Power Electronics 2016 JOURNAL OF POWER ELECTRONICS Vol.16 No.5

This paper presents a new simplified harmonics extraction algorithm based on the synchronous reference frame (SRF) for an indirect current controlled (ICC) three-level neutral point diode clamped (NPC) inverter-based shunt active power filter (SAPF). The shunt APF is widely accepted as one of the most effective current harmonics mitigation tools due to its superior adaptability in dynamic state conditions. In its controller, the SRF algorithm which is derived based on the direct-quadrature (DQ) theory has played a significant role as a harmonics extraction algorithm due to its simple implementation features. However, it suffers from significant delays due to its dependency on a numerical filter and unnecessary computation workloads. Moreover, the algorithm is mostly implemented for the direct current controlled (DCC) based SAPF which operates based on a non-sinusoidal reference current. This degrades the mitigation performances since the DCC based operation does not possess exact information on the actual source current which suffers from switching ripples problems. Therefore, three major improvements are introduced which include the development of a mathematical based fundamental component identifier to replace the numerical filter, the removal of redundant features, and the generation of a sinusoidal reference current. The proposed algorithm is developed and evaluated in MATLAB / Simulink. A laboratory prototype utilizing a TMS320F28335 digital signal processor (DSP) is also implemented to validate effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Both simulation and experimental results are presented. They show significant improvements in terms of total harmonic distortion (THD) and dynamic response when compared to a conventional SRF algorithm.

The Islamic Legal Provisions for Women’s Share in the Inheritance System: A Reflection on Malaysian Society

Raihanah Abdullah,Wirdati Mohd Radzi,Fuadah Johari,Golam Dastagir 숙명여자대학교 아시아여성연구원 2014 Asian Women Vol.30 No.1

Characterized as divinely ordained, the Islamic law of inheritance defines women’s rights to property of the deceased with specific roles and responsibilities for each individual. Obviously, the Islamic law of inheritance is a major contribution to the legal system of the world, compared to the customary laws in the pre?Islamic Arab society that denied any proprietary right by way of inheritance to female relatives including daughters. However, the jurisprudential inquiry into the legal nature of inheritance rights of women entails a close analysis of various factors, including the contemporary socio?economic conditions of Muslim women. This paper revisits the historical and social aspects of the Islamic legal provisions with regard to inheritance rights in an effort to determine if the legal provision has merits to be implemented in light of the changing socio?economic conditions of women in Muslim majority states. It argues that a much clearer position that reflects the changing role of women needs to be postulated, though the challenge is to determine whether the Islamic epistemological position allows any room for restructuring the Islamic legal provision from the perspective of the current situation of Muslim nations such as Malaysia. An examination of the position of Muslim women’s rights to property on the basis of the ontological, epistemological, and methodological aspects of legal rulings in Islam prompts us to call for a novel method of thinking, understanding, and implementing the Islamic inheritance provisions against the backdrop of the present globalized but stereotyped Muslim world. To that end, it concludes with the suggestion of enacting what can be called in modern terms “by?laws” within the Islamic framework in juxtaposition with the existing law of Islamic society in general, and that of Malaysia in particular.