bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two coexisting tank bromeliads host distinct algal communities on a tropical inselberg
Authors: Carrias J.‐F. , Céréghino R. , Brouard O. , Pélozuelo L. , Dejean A. , Couté A. , Corbara B. , Leroy C.
Published: January 2014

The tank bromeliads Aechmea aquilega (Salisb.) and Catopsis berteroniana (Schultes f.) coexist on a sun‐exposed Neotropical inselberg in French Guiana, where they permit conspicuous freshwater pools to form that differ in size, complexity and detritus content. We sampled the algal communities (both eukaryotic and cyanobacterial taxa, including colourless forms) inhabiting either A. aquilega (n = 31) or C. berteroniana (n = 30) and examined differences in community composition and biomass patterns in relation to several biotic and abiotic variables. Chlorella sp. and Bumilleriopsis sp. were the most common taxa and dominated the algal biomass in A. aquilega and C. berteroniana, respectively. Using a redundancy analysis, we found that water volume, habitat complexity and the density of phagotrophic protozoa and collector‐gatherer invertebrates were the main factors explaining the distribution of the algal taxa among the samples. Hierarchical clustering procedures based on abundance and presence/absence data clearly segregated the samples according to bromeliad species, revealing that the algal communities in the smaller bromeliad species were not a subset of the communities found in the larger bromeliad species. We conclude that, even though two coexisting tank bromeliad populations create adjacent aquatic habitats, each population hosts a distinct algal community. Hence, bromeliad diversity is thought to promote the local diversity of freshwater algae in the Neotropics.
What Can Political Psychology Learn from Implicit Measures? Empirical Evidence and New Directions
Authors: Gawronski Bertram , Galdi Silvia , Arcuri Luciano
Published: January 2014

Implicit measures have become very popular in virtually all areas of basic and applied psychology. However, there are empirical and theoretical arguments that might raise doubts about their usefulness in research on political attitudes. Based on a review of relevant evidence, we argue that implicit measures can be useful to identify distal sources of political preferences in domains where self‐presentation may bias self‐reports (e.g., influence of racial attitudes on voting decisions). In addition, implicit measures of proximal political attitudes can contribute to the prediction of future political decisions by virtue of their capability to predict biases in the processing of decision‐relevant information (e.g., prediction of voting behavior of undecided voters). These conclusions are supported by research showing that implicit measures predict real‐world political behavior over and above explicit measures. The reviewed findings suggest that implicit measures may serve as a useful supplement to improve the prediction of election outcomes. Open questions and potential directions for future research are discussed.
Factors related to day‐care clinic outcomes for dementia patients: differences between hospitalization in the dementia ward and institutionalization
Authors: Ono Toshiyuki , Tamai Akira , Takeuchi Daisuke , Tamai Yuzuru
Published: January 2014

Background

Few reports have investigated factors related to the outcomes of day‐care attendance. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the factors related to the outcomes of patients who attended day‐care clinics, with special attention to the differences between hospitalization in the dementia ward and institutionalization.

Methods

We analyzed data from 333 patients in consecutive cases who attended day care between 1 April 2000 and 31 March 2010 and then followed them until 31 March 2011. For univariate and multivariate analyses, patients were divided into seven groups characterized by their outcomes: (i) patients who continued day‐care attendance (continued); (ii) those hospitalized for physical problems (hospital (physical)); (iii) those hospitalized in the dementia ward (ward (dementia)); (iv) those hospitalized in the psychiatric ward for psychiatric problems (ward (psychiatric)); (v) those institutionalized (institution); (vi) those who stopped day‐care attendance by choice (intention); and (vii) those who stopped day‐care attendance for other or unknown reasons (others).

Results

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia were the main reasons for hospitalization and institutionalization. Men were easier to hospitalize in the dementia ward. Patients who applied for insurance were more likely to be institutionalized. The differences between patients who were hospitalized (dementia ward) and institutionalized were age and cognitive function.

Conclusions

Patients who were older and had high cognitive function were institutionalized rather than hospitalized in the dementia ward. Patients with severe dementia symptoms were advised to be treated in the dementia ward.
A Non Mercuric Shoots Bud Sterilization Technique for Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. Kulturpfl.
Authors: Md Afendi Siti Ailla , Lee Chew-Tin , Najafi Disfani Marjan , Arshad Javed Muhammad
Published: January 2014

Boesenbergia rotunda, a medicinal herb under the Zingiberaceae family, has been proven to be the most prominent anticancer remedies. The conventional breeding of this plant is inapplicable as it is susceptible to rhizome soft rot and leaf spot diseases. The yellow rhizome also produces limited buds. Therefore it is necessary to propagate this plant through in vitro propagation to obtain abundant uniform planting materials. Unfortunately, high cost is incurred due to the high shoot bud explants contamination level. Hence, it is addressed in the present study to solve the contamination problem. Mercuric Chloride is well known to solve this problem, but it is not advisable to use, because of its poisoning and other hazardous effects. Moreover, explant sterilization technique should also accelerate the shoot response. To find an alternative, 6 different surface sterilization methods (SSM) were designed and evaluated on the explants where different combinations of sodium hypochlorite and ethanol (instead of mercuric chloride) were applied. The sterilized shoot bud explants were then cultured on Murashige & Skoog (MS) media with no additional vitamins or plant growth regulator under the light below 25oC. The contamination was recorded for 3 consecutive weeks along with visible shoot responses. SSM 5 showed minimum contamination and maximum visible shoot response, compared to other SSMs. Therefore, it is suggested that SSM5 could be used to conduct surface sterilization to avoid contamination problem.
Alternative Source of Beta-Glucan From Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis) Trunk Fiber
Authors: Yi Jun Tan , Muhamad Ida Idayu
Published: January 2014

This study was conducted to develop the method of extracting beta-glucan from the fiber of Elaeis guineensis or oil palm trunk (OPT) and to evaluate its potential. From the previous studies, beta-glucan usually extracted from barley, oats and also bacteria. In this research, wet separation method which is also known as aqueous alcohol method was used to extract beta-glucan from the oil palm trunk fiber. This indirect method of producing beta-glucan was found optimized at conditions of 50% of ethanol as solvent, 4 hours pretreatment duration and temperature of 70ºC. Finally beta-glucan was analyzed by enzymatic method and the percentage of beta-glucan extracted in this study was 34.17 percent.
Textile Artificial Magnetic Conductor Waveguide Sheet with Wire Dipoles for Body Centric Communication
Authors: Kamardin Kamilia , A. Rahim Mohamad Kamal , Samsuri Noor Asmawati , Jalil Mohd Ezwan , Idris Izni Husna , Abdul Majid Mohamad Afiq
Published: January 2014

A textile Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) sheet-like waveguide with wire dipoles were designed to investigate the possibility of improving transmission between antennas. The textile AMC sheet is made of fleece fabric with conductive patches and ground plane made of SHIELDIT fabric. The AMC surface is designed to have in-phase reflection at 2.45GHz with the objective to enhance the transmission between antennas. The S-parameters performance of the two antennas with textile AMC sheet was investigated thoroughly. The effect of different antennas’ placement and distance was also considered. Measurements were conducted rigorously to validate the simulated findings. Results show that the S21 transmission between antennas improved significantly when having the AMC waveguide sheet beneath them. Directive radiation pattern with high gain was also achieved with the proposed AMC sheet-like waveguide.
Application of Packaging Technique in Fiber Bragg Grating Temperature Sensor for Measuring Localized and Nonuniform Temperature Distribution
Authors: Qian Yu Liau , Azmi Asrul Izam , Musa Siti Musliha Aishah , Raja Ibrahim Raja Kamarulzaman
Published: January 2014

The development of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensing technique has improved significantly especially in the sensor head design and real-time data acquisition technique. This paper presents the development of a simple and cost effective packaging technique that further enhances the performances of the FBG sensor. The packaged FBG sensor overcomes the nonuniform heat distribution of a bare FBG that causes eccentric response of FBG spectrum. Therefore, the packaged FBG sensor could be operated for a localized area with high temperature differential. The packaging also compensates the unwanted strain effect from the surrounding which makes temperature measurement become more accurate. The experimental works have been successfully carried out to demonstrate the system operation and the packaging functionalities. The temperature sensitivity coefficient of the bare FBG sensor measured in experiment is 10.05 pm/°C, while the packaged fiber sensor is 10.09 pm/°C, which are expected from the design.
Frequency Analysis for Surface Electrocardiogram Of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ahmad Anita , Buyamin Salinda , Senin Nurhamizah
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the behaviour of the dominant frequency of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal for atrial fibrillation patients before and after preprocessing. The preprocessing method (QRST subtraction) is useful to obtain a clean atrial signal before performing frequency analysis. The QRST subtraction was performed and the dominant frequency before and after QRST subtraction was compared. This study demonstrates a positive result with this technique in comparison with another established technique.
A Review of Tomography System
Authors: Jamaludin Juliza , Zawahir Mohd Zikrillah , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Mohd Yunus Fazlul Rahman , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Ridzuan Aw Muhammad, Suzzana , Fadzil Naizatul Shima , Zakaria Zulkarnay , Rahiman Mohd Hafiz Fazalul
Published: January 2014

Tomography system is a method that being used to reconstruct a cross sectional image in vessel or pipeline. This method is widely used in medical and industrial fields. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of tomography system based on its basics construction, types of sensors, its applications in today’s industry, and image reconstruction. This paper review consists of literature citations which related with tomography system.
Security Culture and Security Awareness as the Basic Factors for Security Effectiveness in Health Information Systems
Authors: Shahri Ahmad Bakhtiyari , Ismail Zuraini , Ab. Rahim Nor Zairah
Published: January 2014

The use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in healthcare domains contributes to an increased complexity of the problems related to the security of Health Information Systems (HIS). This is primarily may be due to the introduction of human behaviors. In spite of many attempts in providing security for HIS, security incidents remain to continue due to human factors. The key to achieve security effectiveness of information systems is through the nurturing of HIS users security awareness and culture towards patients’ data. Hence, addressing the role of human behavior is the main focus for this study. Based on the secondary data resources, a theoretical model is proposed according to users’ awareness and users’ culture for HIS security. This work-in-progress study attempts to highlight the HIS users’ behaviors in enhancing the security effectiveness for HIS.
Capitalizing Human Capital: The Role of Instrumental Leadership
Authors: MSM Yessie Fransiska Lydiana, , MBA Yuni Ros Bangun,
Published: January 2014

It is important for company to maintain their sustainability. Today human issue becomes very important, company realizes that people is their asset and capital. The most important from this issue is how to capitalize human capital. This paper also tries to find the influence of instrumental leadership toward capitalizing human capital. Analytical literature review as a methodology is trying to find the correlation between capitalizing human capital and instrumental leadership. It is found that theoretically, instrumental leadership plays an important role in capitalizing human capital. This paper contributes to the business world; explicitly in company's efforts to capitalize their employee. Based on this literature, company must evaluate their leadership style; because this research finds the significant effect of instrumental leadership.
Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty : A Review in the Perspective of CRM
Authors: Khalafinezhad Raha , Long Choi Sang
Published: January 2014

This paper analyzes the concept of Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The literature reviews strengthen the notion that the increase of customer loyalty can be achieved through positive impact of CRM strategy. In spite of the most essential advantages of CRM, there are some difficulties in CRM implementation for many organizations. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate and find out the key elements of CRM that can lead to the increase of customer satisfaction and loyalty. Base on the literature review, four identified critical CRM elements are employees’ behavior, quality of customer services, relationship development and interaction management.
An Empirical Investigation of Selected Aspects on Internet Financial Reporting in Malaysia
Authors: Ali Khan Mohd Noor Azli , Ismail Noor Azizi
Published: January 2014

In this study an attempt is made to provide empirical evidence on the perception of Malaysian preparers and users of corporate annual reports about selected aspects of internet financial reporting (IFR). The perception of preparers and users of corporate annual reports were solicited using a survey mailed questionnaire. The findings of this study suggested three main benefits to companies that engage in IFR are attract foreign investors, promote company wider to the public, and provide wider coverage. The findings also revealed that three main benefits to the users who collect financial information of companies via their website are increases timeliness and efficiency in obtaining financial information, makes investment decision process easier and faster, and provides information for company inexpensively. The outcome of the analysis revealed that three main factors that are perceived as important by responding firms to engage in IFR are enhance corporate image, company teller with the technology development, and competitors in the industry. The findings also suggested three factors that inhibit firms from engaging in IFR are need to keep information update to be of use, required expertise from the company, and concern over security of information. Another important result revealed that global reach and mass communication as the most important advantages from financial reporting on the Internet. Moreover, security problems are the disadvantages of placing financial information on the Internet. Finally, plausible implications of the findings of the study are then presented and areas for future research are also proposed. This study is one of the first empirical studies of the selected aspects of IFR in Malaysia. Taken together, these research outcomes make an incremental contribution to the existing literature by providing useful insights into our knowledge of IFR especially for emerging markets like Malaysia.
Benchmarking Criteria and Adoption in Designing Business School’s Performance Management System
Authors: Azis Anton Mulyono , Wibisono Dermawan , Simatupang Togar M. , Basri Mursyid Hasan
Published: January 2014

This paper aims to present a principle to the business school institution that have slight familiarity in espousing benchmarking toward better performance. This is done since designing performance management system, espescially in defining key indicators is essential in achieving improvement process and better service. One approach to assist institution -notwithstanding with some pitfalls in it- is benchmarking. Moreover given the fact that industry best practice may never be found as it also relate with organizational culture, the criteria to adopt benchmarking strategy become crucial. The study conducts through a series of descriptive study to top nine Indonesia’s business schools. The research stages start with literature surveys of several published article in international journal related with benchmarking criteria and adoption that have been done by previous researchers. Followed by descriptive study through observation, interviews, document reviews, and filling out the questionnaire by the dean or vice dean of academic as well as the quality assurance administrator. By accomplishing analysis, it revealed four factors with internal factors as the most influential factors on benchmarking criteria and adoption, followed by functional; competitive factors; and the last is process, and along with factor analysis came up ten criteria for benchmark strategy implementation. By carrying out such research finding, it will be useful as a basis for decision maker in formulating the business school’s strategy for enhancing the global competitiveness for the foreseeable future.
A Comparative Review of Road Safety Audit Guidelines of Selected Countries
Authors: Ahmed Ishtiaque , Che Puan Othman , Ismail Che Ros
Published: January 2014

Road safety is a global crisis and one of the proactive preventive measures for accidents is the Road Safety Audit (RSA). The benefits of RSA are numerous. RSAs have been practiced in many countries following the guidelines of their own. The objective of this study was to compare the contents of the guidelines of selected seven (07) countries. The documents were reviewed and compared in terms of seven (07) critical parameters. The definition of the term “RSA” varied among guidelines. The RSA process was required for different stages of a project in different countries. The attached check lists or forms also varied in terms of contents and in terms of the coverage. The qualifications of auditors or team requirements were unequally emphasized in the documents. The legal liability aspects were not given any emphasis in three of the seven guideline documents. Two country documents did not contain any sample RSA report or any sample case study. Some country documents have good emphasis on some parameters while those lack in other aspects. No RSA guideline document can be called as the best one, as those were prepared considering the local conditions and requirements. Recommendations were made to improve the guideline documents.
Causes of Truck and Cargo Drivers’ Fatigue in Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Mohammad Mahbub Alam , Islam Md. Shahidul , Ahmed Ishtiaque , Raihan Md. Asif
Published: January 2014

In recent studies, it has been observed that fatigue is one of the major factors contributing to fatal accidents in Bangladesh. It is increasing tremendously and alarmingly and causing the huge loss of lives and assets. In Bangladesh, heavy vehicle drivers are susceptible to frequent fatigue related accidents, thus increasing disability and social and economic vulnerability. The study aims to identify truck drivers’ causes of fatigue and other physical, socio-psychological and economic consequences on the drivers. The study was conducted during January-June 2012 in the different truck and cargo terminals of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. A total of 400 drivers were chosen purposively. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focused group discussion methods. The study indicates that the reasons behind fatigue led injuries were the driver’s consistent working pressure, longer non-stop driving, traffic congestions, driving in drunk condition, inadequate facilities of physical and mental rests,  family conflicts and long detachment from family care,  owners and drivers ill relationship, harassments by police, job insecurity and income frustrations etc. The study showed that above 83% of the drivers directly or indirectly suffered from fatigue related problems. The study showed that pressure from owners and businessmen and lack of mal-nutrient food consumption were the leading causes of fatigue. The owners’ and drivers’ associations, civil society, Government of Bangladesh (GOB), NGOs and development partners should address the fatal crisis by adopting appropriate interventions to reduce the said fatigue related accidents.
Seismic Behaviour Of Base Isolation System Using Lead Rubber Bearing
Authors: Hadian A. V. , Mutalib A. A. , Baharom S.
Published: January 2014

Nowadays the main cause of damage of reinforced concrete frames in the countries which are located on the seismic line area is earthquake even though they are designed due to the enactment of seismic codes. To provide a solution to these problems, Lead Rubber Bearing (LRB) system has been utilized in the construction of the buildings. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the best configuration of the LRB in the structure by calculating the response of the structure, roof level acceleration and inter-story displacement based on the ground motion records. The study consists of determining the structure, calculating the weight of structure, modelling the LRB in the structure and obtaining the output from the dynamic analyses. The comparison of the inter-story displacement, drifts frames and top level acceleration response of the LRB system with the Fixed Base System (FBS) using spectrum and time history analysis shows that the base shear reduces by 65â€“75% in response spectrum analysis, while in time history analysis base shear reduces by 75â€“85%. The proposed method is based on the LRB system that reduces the response of the structure because of high damping and stiffness used in the Base Isolation System (BIS) and capable to be used for super structure located in the seismic line area. This system would help in reducing the cost in the long time and increase the safety of the structure.Â
Numerical Assessment of Rainfall Infiltration into Soil Column for the Unsaturated Layered Residual Forest Soil
Authors: Ibrahim Aniza , Mukhlisin Muhammad , Jaafar Othman
Published: January 2014

Infiltration caused by rainfall leads to the changes of moisture content and pore water pressure of the soil. These changes indicate the behavior of the soil especially during wetting and drying due to rainfall. This paper describes the numerical analyses and result of rain water infiltration into soil column using SEEP/W (Geo-Slope International, 2004). The analyses were using three types of soils.Two types of soils were commercially obtained;siltyand gravelly sand, while another soilsample obtained from UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) forest. The main objectives are to describe the rainfall infiltration behavior into unsaturated residual forest soil, using one-dimensional soil column model, and the effect of rainfall intensity and duration to the infiltration process for the soils. The soil properties used for that analyses such as soil water characteristic curves (SWCC), and hydraulic conductivity were obtained from the laboratory works. The study was performed for one, three, and six hour flux for all types of soils.Results of volumetric water content show that water infiltration in silty and gravelly sand aremore rapidly than forest soil. The upper layer of soil column experienced greatly increased of volumetric water content compare to the other layers.In addition, pore water pressure for siltyand gravelly sand has also greatly increased from negative towards positive value for one and three hour rainfall compared to forest soil.Â  Therefore, as the water infiltrates,initially dry soil will gradually increase both volumetric water content and pore water pressure as an event of rainfall is applied.
Stability and Performance Study of Polyethersulfone Membranes Modified Using Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Ng Law Yong , Mohammad Abdul Wahab , Ng Ching Yin , Hairom Nur Hanis Hayati
Published: January 2014

In this research work, porous PES membranes were initially pre-heated for certain duration of time and then surface-modified to reject the MgSO4 salt solutions through self-adsorption of polyelectrolytes. From the experimental work, higher membrane salt rejection capability can be obtained when the number of polyelectrolyte bilayers is increased. The images of the cross-sectional morphology of modified and non-modified membranes were obtained using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). All modified membranes showed relatively lower contact angle values.
A Review Study of Nanofibers in Photocatalytic Process for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Nor N. A. M. , Jaafar Juhana , Othman M. H. D. , Rahman Mukhlis. A.
Published: January 2014

Clean water resources are dwindling due to the rapid development of industrialization, population growth and long-term drought has become an issue worldwide. With this growing demand, various practical strategies and solutions have been adopted to yield more viable water resources. Over the last decades, a great deal of interest has been focused on the membrane and photocatalytic process of organic compounds present in water and wastewaters by using a catalyst in the form of nanoparticles or nanofibers. The paper presents an overview of the photocatalytic process and the application of using nanofibers in the process. Different modifications of photocatalyst are described. Advantages of the nanofiber application for photocatalytic process are discussed. Moreover a short introduction of producing the nanofibers using an electrospinning process is given.
Investigation of Flux Decline in Tortuous Pore Structures via Three-Dimensional Simulation of Cross-Flow Microfilter Fouling
Authors: Yu Bingyi , Kapoor Shiv G. , DeVor Richard E. , Wentz John E.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a fluid dynamic-based approach to the prediction of the flux decline due to partial and complete pore blocking in the microfiltration process. The electrostatic force model includes both particle–particle (PP) and particle–membrane (PM) electrostatic forces. The addition of such forces was shown to affect particle trajectories in a tortuous three-dimensional microfilter membrane geometry. The model was validated by comparing experimental flux decline data with simulation flux decline data. A design of experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of transmembrane pressure, PM- and PP-zeta potential on flux decline. The simulation experiments revealed that low flux decline was associated with relatively low transmembrane pressures and near-zero values of PP- and PM-zeta potential; and relatively high transmembrane pressures and more-negative values of PP- and PM-zeta potential. The amount of flux decline was shown to be correlated to the specific nature of partial and complete pore blocking in the pore structure.
Pressure Distribution in Confined Jet Flow
Authors: Liberzon D. , Fernando H. J. S.
Published: January 2014

A momentum jet injected into a confined container breaks up to “diffusive turbulence” after traveling a critical distance. It has been argued that an adverse pressure gradient developing within the container, acting against the jet momentum flux, is responsible for this break up (Risso and Fabre, 1997,“Diffusive Turbulence in a Confined Jet Experiment,” J. Fluid Mech., 337, pp. 233–261; Voropayev et al., 2011, “Evolution of a Confined Turbulent Jet in a Long Cylindrical Cavity: Homogeneous Fluids,” Phys. Fluids, 23, 115106). Experimental evidence for this adverse pressure gradient is presented in this paper, supplemented by a control-volume analysis to explain the results. The rise of pressure from the jet-injection level to a location beyond the jet break up xb is shown to be proportional to the jet momentum flux. The overall (integrated) sidewall friction on a control volume is negligible, compared to the increase of pressure, if the flow control volume extends beyond xb. For smaller lengths of the control volume, the side wall drag is not negligible compared to the pressure rise. The Reynolds number similarity was evident for jet Reynolds numbers above 6000. This work was motivated by its applications to degassing of crude oil stored in the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves, which are slender salt caverns. To improve its quality, periodically oil is cycled through a degassing plant and injected back to the cavern as a jet, and the degassing time is critically dependent on jet dynamics.
On the Evolution of Double Shock-Accelerated Elliptic Gas Cylinders
Authors: Zou Liyong , Huang Wenbin , Liu Cangli , Yu Jun , Luo Xisheng
Published: January 2014

The evolution of double elliptic heavy-gas (SF6) cylinders impacted by a planar shock wave is studied by high-speed camera diagnostics. The minor axes (b) of the elliptic cross sections are aligned perpendicular to the shock direction. While the cylinder dimensions are fixed, we adjust the center-to-center separation s between the cylinders. The resulting flow morphologies are visualized and the interaction between double cylinders is analyzed. When s/b = 4.0 or 3.0, the two elliptical cylinders roll up into two counter-rotating vortex pairs and their interaction is weak. When s/b decreases to 2.0 or 1.2, due to strong interaction of the two inner vortices, the inner structure completely disappears and the flow morphology evolves into one counter-vortex pair. Compared with the s/b = 2.0 case, larger amount of baroclinic vorticity is produced in the s/b = 1.2 case, and the morphology is similar to the single elliptic cylinder case, with a second vortex phenomenon occurring at later times. As s/b increases, the extent of cylinder-cylinder interaction becomes weaker, and the integral height of double elliptic cylinders grows while the length decreases.
Designing the Spindle Parameters of Vortex Spinning by Modeling the Fiber/Air Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Pei Zeguang
Published: January 2014

Vortex spinning is a novel technology which produces short-staple yarns by utilizing high-speed swirling airflow. The structure of the spindle plays an important role in vortex spinning in terms of its effect on the resulting yarn properties. In this paper, a two-dimensional fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model for the fiber/air two-phase flow is presented to design the two spindle parameters—the spindle cone angle and spindle diameter by evaluating their effects on the fiber dynamics in the flow field inside the twisting system and the resulting yarn tenacity. The coupling between the fiber and airflow is solved and the motional characteristics of the fiber are obtained. It is found that the fiber moves downstream in a varying wavy shape and its spreaded trailing portion is then in a helical motion to form the yarn. The results also show that the increase of the spindle cone angle has a negative effect on the tenacity of the produced vortex yarn. The increased spindle diameter gives rise to the decreased vortex yarn tenacity. The numerical results can provide an explanation for the experimental results reported by previous studies.
New Process and Machine for Layered Manufacturing of Metal Parts
Authors: Ghariblu Hashem , Rahmati Saeid
Published: January 2014

This paper deals with a combined additive and subtractive process for metal parts production. Starting from the configuration of commercial LOM machines, a new machine design is proposed for metal parts, equipped with ATC with various form tools and capable of adaptive slicing. Then, the attention is focused on the adaptive slicing algorithm. The advantages of the proposed solution and its application, in comparison to existing solutions are its improved aesthetic appearance of the part. Also, this new methodology in its final form would result the faster product with better accuracy.
Plastic Deformation Influence on Material Properties of Autofrettaged Tubes Used in Diesel Engines Injection System
Authors: Aliakbari K. , Farhangdoost Kh.
Published: January 2014

According to the DIN2391 standard, the DIN1.0406 steel is used to manufacture high-pressure injection tubes of diesel engines. The parts are autofrettaged during the manufacturing process to increase operating pressure and fatigue life. The autofrettage process is affected by loading–unloading cycle. In Bauschinger effect (BE) phenomenon, plastic deformation causes a loss in unloading yield strength. The ratio of unloading yield strength to the loading yield strength is called Bauschinger effect factor, BEF. In this paper, plastic deformation influence on the loading and unloading behaviors of DIN1.0406 steel is studied considering the BE. Uniaxial tension–compression experimental data are used to figure out a suitable model to study the BE. To carry out these experiments, a servohydraulic Instron machine is used. The sample tubes having inside diameter of 2.4 mm and outside diameter of 6 mm were made based on the standard ASTM E8M-97a. The tests were carried out using the total strain of 4.31%. Another important purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the amount of plastic strain on loading–unloading Young's modulus. Finally, the behavior of DIN1.0406 steel is compared with the steels such as DIN1.6959, HY 180, and PH 13-8Mo used in tubes.
High-Intensity Interval Training for Improvement of Overhand Throwing Velocity
Authors: Maddigan Meaghan E. , Behm David G. , Belfry Glen R.
Published: January 2014

Context:

High intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve muscle power and endurance, as well as aerobic power.

Objective:

To assess the effects of HIIT that utilizes resistive elastic bands to improve overhand throwing velocity.

Participants:

Healthy female volunteers (n = 13) ranging in age from 18–29 years.

Interventions:

Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group that exercised 3 days per week for 3 weeks. Each training session involved performance of 5 sets of 20 throwing motions against elastic band resistance, which was performed by both extremities.

Main Outcome Measures:

Maximal oxygen consumption was measured during performance of a graded exercise test that utilized an upper extremity cycle ergometer. A radar gun was used to assess peak throwing velocity and the extent to which throwing velocity was sustained during performance of a 20-throw endurance test.

Results:

After completing the training, the experimental group exhibited faster peak throwing velocity (61.6 ± 6.6 km/hr to 63.2 ± 8.6 km/hr) and a reduced fatigue index (1.18 ± 0.16 to 1.01 ± 0.02). Training also resulted in a 14% improvement in maximum oxygen consumption (1.40 ± 0.46 L/min to 1.60 ± 0.49 L/ min) and longer time to fatigue (9.99 ± 1.84 min to 11.43 ± 2.29 min).

Conclusion:

The high-intensity interval training program was effective for improvement of overhand throwing performance.
A Unified Version of London 2012: New-Media Coverage of Gender, Nationality, and Sport for Olympics Consumers in Six Countries
Authors: Eagleman Andrea , Burch Lauren M. , Vooris Ryan
Published: January 2014

Traditional media coverage of the Olympic Games has been shown to exhibit biases in terms of gender, nationality, and the type of sports covered, which can contribute to negative societal consequences and inaccurate historical records of such events. Scholars have suggested that because of the Internet’s expanded spatial parameters, new media have the ability to provide more equitable coverage of events such as the Olympics. In this study, we used agenda setting theory to employ a content analysis methodology to determine whether different constructions of the 2012 London Olympics were presented to media consumers on news websites in Australia, Brazil, China, Great Britain, Kenya, and the United States. Findings indicated that very few gender, nationalistic, or sport biases existed in any of the countries’ coverage, lending credence to the notion that the Internet affords media managers with an opportunity to provide more equitable coverage and thus a more accurate depiction of events.
A Blood-Resistant Surgical Glue for Minimally Invasive Repair of Vessels and Heart Defects
Authors: Lang Nora , Pereira Maria J. , Lee Yuhan , Friehs Ingeborg , Vasilyev Nikolay V. , Feins Eric N. , Ablasser Klemens , O’Cearbhaill Eoin D. , Xu Chenjie , Fabozzo Assunta , Padera Robert , Wasserman Steve , Freudenthal Franz , Ferreira Lino S. , Langer Robert , Karp Jeffrey M. , del Nido Pedro J.
Published: January 2014

A light-activated, biodegradable adhesive seals cardiovascular defects in the presence of blood flow and could be useful during minimally invasive surgery.
A Call to Craft
Authors: Raredon Micha Sam Brickman , Niklason Laura E.
Published: January 2014

Educational institutions must begin training tissue engineers to think as both biomedical investigators and fabricators.
Treating the Brain Through the Gut
Authors: Eid Tore
Published: January 2014

Altering the gut microbiota alleviates signs of autism in a mouse model of the disorder.
Linking Autoimmunity and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R.
Published: January 2014

Type I interferon mediates pulmonary arterial hypertension by up-regulating molecules responsible for vasoconstriction, endothelial dysfunction, and smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Seat belt syndrome with unstable Chance fracture dislocation of the second lumbar vertebra without neurological deficits
Authors: Onu David O , Hunn Andrew W , Bohmer Robert D
Published: January 2014

The seat belt syndrome is a recognised complication of seat belt use in vehicles. Unstable Chance fractures of the spine without neurological deficits have been reported infrequently. We describe a young woman with completely disrupted Chance fracture of the second lumbar vertebra in association with left hemidiaphragmatic rupture/hernia, multiple bowel perforations, splenic capsular tear, left humeral shaft and multiple rib fractures. These injuries which resulted from high-speed vehicle collision and led to death of one of the occupants were readily detected by trauma series imaging. The patient was successfully treated by a dedicated multidisciplinary team which adopted a staged surgical approach and prioritisation of care. There were no manifested neurological or other deficits after 1 year of follow-up. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of such a case in Australasia. We discuss the challenging surgical management, highlighting the role of radiological imaging in such cases and provide a literature review.
Sexual violence experienced by male and female Chinese college students in Guangzhou
Authors: Wang Chang , Dong Xiaomei , Yang Jingzhen , Ramirez Marizen , Chi Guibo , Peek-Asa Corinne , Wang Shengyong
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Sexual violence research in China is in its early stages. This study described the sexual violence experience of college students in Guangzhou, China, and examined the individual and family factors associated with increased sexual perpetration and victimisation.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 2200 college students from three universities in Guangzhou, China, was conducted in 2010. Data on sexual perpetration and/or victimisation experienced during the past 12 months were collected. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the individual and family factors associated with odds of sexual assault perpetration, victimisation, or both.

Results

Over a quarter (25.4%) of students experienced at least one form of sexual violence during the past 12 months, either as a perpetrator or as a victim, and nearly 10% of students experienced both perpetration and victimisation. The number of students who identified themselves as being solely a victim was almost three times lower than being a perpetrator only (n=87 vs n=246). Engaging in risky behaviours was associated with increased odds of being a perpetrator and being both a perpetrator and a victim. Prior mistreatment by teachers or bullying by others was linked to increased risk of both perpetration and victimisation. Male students who had indulgent parents (responsive but not demanding) were at increased risk of perpetration compared with those students with authoritative parents (responsive and demanding).

Conclusions

The findings add to empirical data on sexual violence in college students and reinforce the urgent need for implementation of successful sexual violence prevention programmes in China.
An update on vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: terminology and a practical approach to diagnosis
Authors: Reyes M Carolina , Cooper Kumarasen
Published: January 2014

There are two distinct types of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), which differ in their clinical presentation, aetiology, pathogenesis and histological/immunophenotypical features. One form driven by high-risk human papilloma virus infection usually occurs in young women and has been termed classic or usual VIN (uVIN). The other, not related to viral infection, occurs in postmenopausal women with chronic skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus and lichen simplex chronicus and is termed differentiated or simplex-type VIN. The latter is the precursor lesion of the most common type of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the vulva, namely keratinizing SCC (representing 60% of cases). In contrast, uVIN usually gives rise to basaloid or warty SCC (40% of cases). The histological features of uVIN are similar to those of high grade lesions encountered in other lower anogenital tract sites (hyperchomatic nuclei with high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios and increased mitotic activity). However, differentiated VIN has very subtle histopathological changes and often escapes diagnosis. Since uVIN is driven by high-risk human papilloma virus infections, p16 immunohistochemistry is diffusely positive in these lesions and is characterized with a high Ki-67 proliferation index. In contrast, differentiated or simplex-type VIN is consistently negative for p16 and the majority of the cases harbour TP53 mutations, correlating with p53 positivity by immunohistochemistry.
Reversing legacy effects in the understory of an oak-dominated forest
Authors: Thomas-Van Gundy Melissa , Rentch James , Adams Mary Beth , Carson Walter
Published: January 2014

Current forests developed under conditions different from original forests, with higher deer densities, reduced fire frequency, denser canopies, and smaller canopy gaps. These alterations have led to understories dominated by species simultaneously browse tolerant, shade tolerant, and fire sensitive leading to difficulties in the regeneration of oak species (Quercus spp.) in some areas. We evaluated how three key processes — understory fire, canopy gaps, and browsing — influenced tree species in east central West Virginia. We were particularly interested in the response of oak species because they are the dominant overstory species and of maple species (Acer spp.), black birch (Betula lenta L.), and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as these are likely to replace the current forest. Single-process effects were significant and significant interactions among processes were numerous. In general, fire caused significant reductions of seedlings and saplings of red maple (Acer rubrum L.) and striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum L.) and increased the seedlings of black birch and yellow-poplar. Canopy gaps increased the abundance of black birch and yellow-poplar seedlings and saplings. Gaps and fire together caused an increase in the relative abundance of yellow-poplar. Excluding browsers and creating canopy gaps together nearly doubled oak sapling importance values versus either treatment alone; however, oak importance values remained low. Given the significant interactions of browse control with the other two processes, browse control should be considered when planning oak regeneration treatments such as canopy gaps or prescribed fire.
ON THE ONSET OF RAYLEIGH–BÉNARD CONVECTION IN A LAYER OF NANOFLUID IN HYDROMAGNETICS
Authors: CHAND RAMESH
Published: January 2014

Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a horizontal layer of nanofluid in the presence of uniform vertical magnetic field is investigated by using Galerkin weighted residuals method. The model used for the nanofluid describes the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. Linear stability theory based upon normal mode analysis is employed to find expressions for Rayleigh number and critical Rayleigh number. The boundaries are considered to be free–free, rigid–rigid and rigid–free. The influence of magnetic field on the stability is investigated and it is found that magnetic field stabilizes the fluid layer. It is also observed that the system is more stable in the case of rigid–rigid boundaries and least stable in case of free–free boundaries. The expression for Rayleigh number for oscillatory convection has also been derived for free–free boundaries.
Distinct mechanisms of a phosphotyrosyl peptide binding to two SH2 domains
Authors: Pang Xiaodong , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: January 2014

Protein phosphorylation is a very common post-translational modification, catalyzed by kinases, for signaling and regulation. Phosphotyrosines frequently target SH2 domains. The spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is critical for tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple proteins and for regulation of important pathways. Phosphorylation of both Y342 and Y346 in Syk linker B is required for optimal signaling. The SH2 domains of Vav1 and PLC-γ both bind this doubly phosphorylated motif. Here we used a recently developed method to calculate the effects of Y342 and Y346 phosphorylation on the rate constants of a peptide from Syk linker B binding to the SH2 domains of Vav1 and PLC-γ. The predicted effects agree well with experimental observations. Moreover, we found that the same doubly phosphorylated peptide binds the two SH2 domains via distinct mechanism, with apparent rigid docking for Vav1 SH2 and dock-and-coalesce for PLC-γ SH2.
Twisted entropy functional for three-manifolds and flows induced on the boundary
Authors: Cartas-Fuentevilla R.
Published: January 2014

Considering a twisted version of the gravitational Chern–Simons action for three-manifolds as a Perelman entropy functional, a generalization of the Cotton flow for the metric, in co-evolution with torsion is developed. In the case of manifolds with boundary, there exists an entropy functional induced on it, and hence metric and torsional flows can be defined. The integrability of these boundary flows is studied in detail. In a particular case, the solutions of the two-dimensional logarithmic diffusion equation determine completely the dynamics of the fields in co-evolution. In this scheme of three-manifolds with evolving boundaries, the orthogonality of the twisted flows to the Yamabe-like flows is established; additionally, the evolution of the holonomy groups of the three-manifold and of its boundary is studied, showing in some cases an oscillatory behavior around orthogonal groups. In this approach, the twisted canonical geometries (TCG) are defined as manifolds with a vanishing contribution of the torsion to the curvature, which will be generated fully by the metric; these geometries evolve to manifolds with curvature generated by both metric and torsion, and cannot smoothly evolve into manifolds with a vanishing torsion.