Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major neurocognitive disorder identified by memory loss and a significant cognitive decline based on previous level of performance in one or more cognitive domains that interferes in the independence of everyday activities. The accuracy of imaging helps to identify the neuropathological features that differentiate AD from its common precursor, mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Identification of early signs will aid in risk stratification of disease and ensures proper management is instituted to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with AD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using structural MRI (sMRI), functional MRI (fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) performed alone is inadequate. Thus, the combination of multiparametric MRI is proposed to increase the accuracy of diagnosing MCI and AD when compared to elderly healthy controls. Methods This protocol describes a non-interventional case control study. The AD and MCI patients and the healthy elderly controls will undergo multi-parametric MRI. The protocol consists of sMRI, fMRI, DTI, and single-voxel proton MRS sequences. An eco-planar imaging (EPI) will be used to perform resting-state fMRI sequence. The structural images will be analysed using Computational Anatomy Toolbox-12, functional images will be analysed using Statistical Parametric Mapping-12, DPABI (Data Processing & Analysis for Brain Imaging), and Conn software, while DTI and 1H-MRS will be analysed using the FSL (FMRIB’s Software Library) and Tarquin respectively. Correlation of the MRI results and the data acquired from the APOE genotyping, neuropsychological evaluations (i.e. Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA], and Mini–Mental State Examination [MMSE] scores) will be performed. The imaging results will also be correlated with the sociodemographic factors. The diagnosis of AD and MCI will be standardized and based on the DSM-5 criteria and the neuropsychological scores. Discussion The combination of sMRI, fMRI, DTI, and MRS sequences can provide information on the anatomical and functional changes in the brain such as regional grey matter volume atrophy, impaired functional connectivity among brain regions, and decreased metabolite levels specifically at the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus. The combination of multiparametric MRI sequences can be used to stratify the management of MCI and AD patients. Accurate imaging can decide on the frequency of follow-up at memory clinics and select classifiers for machine learning that may aid in the disease identification and prognostication. Reliable and consistent quantification, using standardised protocols, are crucial to establish an optimal diagnostic capability in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
There were no significant differences in image quality of CCTA between genders and different tube voltages. Lower tube voltage (100 kVp) scanning protocol is recommended in clinical practice to reduce the radiation dose to patient.
This study aimed to investigate the students' interest level and tendency towards reciting Quran using smart phones and tablets amongst 230 Muslim students of Foundation Programme at UiTM Kuantan Campus, Malaysia semester 2012/2013. The main instrument utilized in this study was a questionnaire while data analysis was accomplished using descriptive statistics of SPSS version 20. Based on the analysis, it was indicated that the students' interest of reciting Quran was at a good level. However, 32.6% to 53.0% of them were not really sure about the rules involved when using digital Quran applications stored on the devices. These were among the primary concerns of the present study. Therefore, issues related to Islamic jurisprudence were clarified so that the students would become aware to take necessary steps in compliance with the religious laws when using such devices.
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's spread has altered the learning process at all educational levels, resulting in the proliferation of virtual classrooms throughout the world. The purpose of this study is to determine lecturer satisfaction with Microsoft Teams' use in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This way, we can implement the necessary improvements to ensure that students and lecturers are satisfied with their use of Microsoft Teams. Thirty-four lecturers from UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan (UiTMNCS) participated in the study. Five criteria were used consisting of: Basic Microsoft Teams Functions, Discussion, Assessments, Features, and Attendance Form. Data were collected via questionnaires and then distributed to respondents via Google forms. All calculations were performed using the SPSS Statistics 26 software. The findings indicated that Basic Microsoft Teams Functions is the most effective criterion, while Assessments and Attendance Form is the least effective. The sub-criteria rating with the highest score is Creating a TEAM is simple and straightforward, and the lowest score indicates that Microsoft Teams works well even with slow internet. Chi-square test for independent variable shows there is no relationship between gender, residential area, faculties and teaching experience of UiTMCNS lecturers with sub criteria functions in Basic Functions of Microsoft Teams, Discussion, Assessments, Features and Attendance Form. Further research will be proposed to improve the attendance system by integrating it with the Microsoft team's attendance sheet.
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