bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The deadly landscape of pro‐apoptotic BCL‐2 proteins in the outer mitochondrial membrane
Authors: Luna‐Vargas Mark P.A. , Chipuk Jerry E.
Published: December 2015

Apoptosis is a biological process that removes damaged, excess or infected cells through a genetically controlled mechanism. This process plays a crucial role in organismal development, immunity and tissue homeostasis, and alterations in apoptosis contribute to human diseases including cancer and auto‐immunity. In the past two decades, significant efforts have focused on understanding the function of the BCL‐2 proteins, a complex family of pro‐survival and pro‐apoptotic α‐helical proteins that directly control the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Diverse structural investigations of the BCL‐2 family members have broadened our mechanistic understanding of their individual functions. However, an often over‐looked aspect of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis is how the BCL‐2 family specifically interacts with and targets the outer mitochondrial membrane to initiate apoptosis. Structural information on the relationship between the BCL‐2 family and the outer mitochondrial membrane is missing; likewise, knowledge of the biophysical mechanisms by which the outer mitochondrial membrane affects and effects apoptosis is lacking. In this mini‐review, we provide a current overview of the BCL‐2 family members and discuss the latest structural insights into BAK/BAX activation and oligomerization in the context of the outer mitochondrial membrane and mitochondrial biology.
Carboxymethyl derivatives of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) gum: characterisation and solution rheology
Authors: Liu Jun , Shen Jianheng , Shim Youn Young , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: December 2015

Carboxymethyl ether moieties were introduced to flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) gum (FG) by reacting gum with monochloroacetic acid (MCA). Effects of ether forming reaction conditions, temperature, NaOH concentration and molar ratio of FG (anhydroxylose equivalent) to MCA, on the degree of substitution (DS) were investigated. Treatment at 70 °C, with 7.0 m NaOH, and molar ratio of MCA to FG of 10:1 over 3 h produced a polysaccharide with a DS of 0.824 ± 0.012. Both surface morphology and thermal behaviour were modified. Solutions of FG (0.5–4.0%, w/v) exhibited shear‐thinning behaviour where viscosity decreased with decreased FG concentration. After carboxymethylation, modified polymer solutions also exhibited shear‐thinning behaviour, where dynamic viscosity was lower than that of native FG solutions at the same concentration. The dynamic viscosities were lower for solutions of modified FG with higher DS and also lower for solutions made at lower FG concentrations (0.5–4.0%, w/v). A more liquid‐like behaviour with increasing FG DS was indicated as storage modulus G′ and loss modulus G″ decreased and became more frequency dependent. The substitution of hydroxyl groups with carboxymethyl groups suppressed entanglement between FG polysaccharide chains by reducing intermolecular association.
Roles of soluble and insoluble aggregates induced by soy protein processing in the gelation of myofibrillar protein
Authors: Jian Huajun , Qiao Fang , Yang Pinhong , Guo Fengxian , Huang Xiaolin , Adhikari Benu , Chen Jie
Published: December 2015

The role of soluble and insoluble aggregates induced by soy protein isolate (SPI) processing in the gelling properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) was studied. Incorporating soluble SPI aggregate could greatly improve (P < 0.05) the elastic modulus (G’) and water‐holding capacity (WHC) of MP gel, but had no notable effect on MP gel strength. In contrast, incorporating the insoluble SPI aggregate significantly enhanced the G’, strength and WHC of MP gel, although the improvement in WHC was smaller than that produced by the soluble aggregate. The results of environmental scanning electron microscopy showed that the soluble SPI aggregate induced a less randomly composite gel structure, which may explain its notable enhancement of WHC. However, the insoluble SPI aggregate appeared to be granules embedded in the continuous MP gel matrix, which may be related to the reinforcement of gel strength. Hence, the results of this study suggest further means of processing commercial SPI for use in meat products.
Grass carp peptides hydrolysed by the combination of Alcalase and Neutrase: Angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, antioxidant activities and physicochemical profiles
Authors: Chen Jiwang , Chen Yue , Xia Wenshui , Xiong Youling L. , Ye Ran , Wang Hongxun
Published: December 2015

In this study, grass carp peptides were prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of grass carp protein using the combination of Alcalase and Neutrase, and angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in vitro, antihypertensive activity in vivo, antioxidant activities, and physicochemical properties of peptides achieved from grass carp protein were characterised after ultrafiltration and desalted processes using mixed ion exchange resins. The purified peptides exhibited strong ACE inhibitory activity (IC50 = 105 μg mL−1), antihypertensive activity with the maximal drop for systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 43 mmHg at a dosage of 100 mg per kg body weight in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), and antioxidant activities indicated by thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance values in a liposome‐oxidising system, radical‐scavenging activity and chelation of metal ions (Fe2+). The molecular weight of peptides was <1000 Da. Compared to grass carp protein, the peptides separated from enzymatic hydrolysates possessed similar amino acid compositions, but contained higher concentrations of essential amino acids. Moreover, the peptides exhibited excellent solubility at a wide range of pH values from 2 to 10, and lower apparent viscosity than the protein. The peptides separated from enzymatic hydrolysates might be used as a promising ingredient in antihypertensive functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Role of Automatic Wireless Remote Monitoring Immediately Following ICD Implant: The Lumos‐T Reduces Routine Office Device Follow‐Up Study (TRUST) Trial
Authors: VARMA NIRAJ , EPSTEIN ANDREW E. , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT , MICHALSKI JUSTIN , LOVE CHARLES J. ,   TRUST Investigators
Published: December 2015

Automatic Remote Monitoring of ICD Follow‐Up

Introduction

The incidence of unscheduled encounters and problem occurrence between ICD implant and first in‐person evaluation (IPE) recommended at 12 weeks is unknown. Automatic remote home monitoring (HM) may be useful in this potentially unstable period.

Methods and Results

ICD patients were randomized 2:1 to HM enabled post‐implant (n = 908) or to conventional monitoring (CM; n = 431). Groups were compared between implant and prior to first scheduled IPE for IPE incidence, causes, and actionability (reprogramming, system revision, medication changes) and event detection time. HM and CM patients were similar (mean age 63 years, 72% male, LVEF 29%, primary prevention 73%, DDD 57%). In the post‐implant interval assessed (HM 100 ± 21.3 days vs. CM 101 ± 20.8 days, P = 0.54), 85.4% (776/908) HM patients and 87.7% CM (378/431) patients had no cause for IPE (P = 0.31). When IPE occurred, actionability in HM (64/177 [36.2%]) was greater versus CM (15/62 [24.2%], P = 0.12). Actionable items were discovered sooner with HM (P = 0.025). Device reprogramming or lead revision was triggered following 53/177 (29.9%) IPEs in HM versus 9/62 (14.5%) in CM (P = 0.018). Arrhythmia detection was enhanced by HM: 276 atrial and ventricular episodes were detected in 135 follow‐ups in contrast to CM (65 episodes at 17 IPEs). More silent arrhythmic episodes were discovered by HM (7.2% vs. 1.5% [P = 0.15]). Since 27/42 (64.3%) IPEs driven by HM alerts were actionable, event notification was a valuable method for problem detection. Importantly, HM did not increase incidence of non‐actionable IPEs (P = 0.72).

Conclusion

Activation of automatic remote monitoring should be encouraged soon post‐ICD implant.
Capacity Investment under Demand Uncertainty: The Role of Imports in the U.S. Cement Industry
Authors: Meunier Guy , Ponssard Jean‐Pierre , Thomas Catherine
Published: December 2015

Demand uncertainty is thought to influence irreversible capacity decisions. Suppose that local demand can be sourced from domestic (rigid) production or from (flexible) imports. This paper shows that the optimal domestic capacity is either increasing or decreasing with demand uncertainty, depending on the relative level of the costs of domestic production and imports. We test this relationship with data from the U.S. cement industry, in which the difference in marginal cost between domestic production and imports varies across local U.S. markets because cement is costly to transport over land. Industry data for 1999 to 2010 are consistent with the predictions of the model. The introduction of two technologies to the production set—one rigid and one flexible—is crucial to understanding the relationship between capacity choice and uncertainty in this industry because there is no relationship between these two variables in aggregated U.S. data. Our analysis reveals that the relationship is negative in coastal districts, and significantly more positive in landlocked districts.
Task‐Specific Human Capital and Organizational Inertia
Authors: Delfgaauw Josse , Swank Otto H.
Published: December 2015

Employees' incentive to invest in their task proficiency depends on the likelihood that they will execute the same tasks in the future. Changes in tasks can be warranted as a result of technological progress and changes in firm strategy as well as from fine‐tuning job design and from monitoring individuals' performance. However, the possibility of a change in tasks reduces employees' incentive to invest in task‐specific skills. We develop a simple two‐period principal–agent model showing that some degree of inertia benefits the principal. We then analyze how organizations can optimally combine several policies to approach the optimal degree of inertia. In particular, we consider the optimal mixture of (abstaining from) exploration, managerial vision, organizational task‐specific investments, and incentive pay. Our analysis yields testable predictions concerning the relations between these organizational policies.
Revealing Incentives for Compatibility Provision in Vertically Differentiated Network Industries
Authors: Garcia Filomena , Vergari Cecilia
Published: December 2015

We determine the incentives for compatibility provision of firms that produce network goods with different intrinsic qualities when firms do not have veto power over compatibility. When network effects are strong, there are multiple equilibria in pricing and consumer decisions. We show that in some equilibria, it is the high‐quality firm that invests in compatibility, whereas in others, the low‐quality firm triggers compatibility. The socially optimal compatibility degree is zero, except under very strong network effects, where one of the equilibria has all consumers buying the low‐quality good. In this case, a partial degree of compatibility is optimal.
The Successful Aging After Elective Surgery Study: Cohort Description and Data Quality Procedures
Authors: Schmitt Eva M. , Saczynski Jane S. , Kosar Cyrus M. , Jones Richard N. , Alsop David C. , Fong Tamara G. , Metzger Eran , Cooper Zara , Marcantonio Edward R. , Travison Thomas , Inouye Sharon K. ,   the Successful Aging after Elective Surgery Study Group
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To describe baseline characteristics and quality assurance procedures of the Successful Aging after Elective Surgery (SAGES) study, which was designed to examine novel risk factors and long‐term outcomes associated with delirium.

Design

Long‐term prospective cohort study.

Setting

Three academic medical centers.

Participants

Individuals aged 70 and older (average age 77, 58% female) without recognized dementia scheduled for elective major surgery (N = 566).

Measurements

Participants were assessed preoperatively, daily during hospitalization, and at variable monthly intervals for up to 36 months after discharge. Trained study staff assessed delirium in the hospital. Study outcomes included cognitive and physical function. Novel risk factors for delirium were assessed, including genetic and plasma biomarkers, neuroimaging markers, and cognitive reserve markers. Interrater reliability (kappa and weighted kappa) was assessed for critical variables in 119 of the participant interviews.

Results

Eighty‐one percent of participants were undergoing orthopedic surgery, and 24% developed delirium postoperatively. More than 95% of eligible participants were followed for 18 months. There was greater than 99% capture of important study outcomes (cognitive and functional status) at every study interview, and interrater reliability was high (weighted kappa for delirium = 0.92 and for overall cognitive and functional outcomes = 0.94–1.0). Completion rates were 95% to 99% for plasma biomarkers (4 time points) and 86% for neuroimaging (1‐year follow‐up).

Conclusion

The SAGES study will contribute to the understanding of novel risk factors, pathophysiology and long‐term outcomes of delirium. This article describes the cohort and data quality procedures of the SAGES study and will serve as a reference source for future studies based on SAGES.
Triploid Induction of Green Tiger Shrimp, Penaeus semisulcatus (De Haan, 1844) Using Temperature and Chemical Shock
Authors: Kır Mehmet , Tarhan Gökhan , Okur Özgür
Published: December 2015

Triploidy in fertilized eggs of Penaeus semisulcatus was induced by temperature and chemical shocks. The eggs, which were obtained from the shrimp broodstock maintained at 29 C, were exposed to cold temperature (8, 10, 12, and 14 C) and 6‐dimetiloaminopurine (6‐DMAP) concentrations (100, 150, 200, and 250 μM) for different durations (4, 6, and 8 min) 9 min after spawning was detected. While the highest triploidy rate of 49.7 ± 4.5% was obtained with a 200 μM 6‐DMAP concentration for a duration of 8 min, the best mean triploidy rate of 45.5 ± 2.8% for cold shock was obtained at a temperature of 10 C for a duration of 8 min. Temperature and 6‐DMAP concentration did not have significant effect on triploidy rate (P > 0.05) but shock duration had significant effect on triploidy rate for individual cold temperature shock or 6‐DMAP chemical shock (P < 0.05). Although longer durations of shock agent increased the rates of triploid induction, they generally had an adverse effect on hatching rates in the study.
Public health aspects of feral deer, goats and pigs in New Zealand: A review to inform eradication decisions
Authors: Wilson Nick , Blaschke Paul , Thomson George , Nghiem Nhung , Horrocks John
Published: December 2015

The research described in this paper sought to review the public health issues arising from the presence of feral deer, goats and pigs in New Zealand. Key findings were that while recreational hunting of these animals is likely to provide physical and mental health benefits, and contribute to food security, likely health‐related harms from these animals include (i) injury risks from the associated firearms used in hunting; (ii) as reservoirs for zoonotic diseases; (iii) reduced mental health benefits of wilderness experience and natural ecosystems; and (iv) likely contribution to flooding risk via forest damage. Further research could better quantify these issues.
Deciphering the molecular basis of ammonium uptake and transport in maritime pine
Authors: Castro‐Rodríguez Vanessa , Assaf‐Casals Iman , Pérez‐Tienda Jacob , Fan Xiaorong , Avila Concepción , Miller Anthony , Cánovas Francisco M.
Published: December 2015

Ammonium is the predominant form of inorganic nitrogen in the soil of coniferous forests. Despite the ecological and economic importance of conifers, the molecular basis of ammonium uptake and transport in this group of gymnosperms is largely unknown. In this study, we describe the functional characterization of members of the AMT gene family in Pinus pinaster: PpAMT1.1, PpAMT1.2 and PpAMT1.3 (subfamily 1) and PpAMT2.1 and PpAMT2.3 (subfamily 2). Our phylogenetic analysis indicates that in conifers, all members of the AMT1 subfamily evolved from a common ancestor that is evolutionarily related to the ancient PpAMT1.2 gene. Individual AMT genes are developmentally and nutritionally regulated, and their transcripts are specifically distributed in different organs. PpAMT1.3 was predominantly expressed in the roots, particularly during N starvation and mycorrhizal interaction, whereas PpAMT2.3 was preferentially expressed in lateral roots. Immunolocalization studies of roots with varied nitrogen availability revealed that PpAMT1 and PpAMT2 proteins play complementary roles in the uptake of external ammonium. Heterologous expression in yeast and Xenopus oocytes revealed that the AMT genes encode functional transporters with different kinetics and with different capacities for ammonium transport. Our results provide new insights on how nitrogen is acquired and transported in conifers.
Birth and evolution of a Cryogenian basin: Glaciation, rifting and sedimentation in the Vorogovka Basin, Siberia
Authors: Sovetov Julius K. , Le Heron Daniel P.
Published: December 2015

The Vorogovka Basin records the establishment and infilling of a rift‐related basin during Cryogenian time. Its infill records the whole spectrum of continental clastic and carbonate shelfal to deep marine systems. Initiation of the Vorogovka trough as a sedimentary basin was accompanied by subsidence, and the accumulation of diamictites and conglomerates, of probable glacial affinity. The accumulation of Sturtian‐age diamictites and the unsorted gravelstones resting on a metamorphic basement was coeval with rifting. Based on a facies analysis, it is shown that the Vorogovka trough demonstrates the evolution of a basin characterized initially by a half‐graben with glaciofluvial deposits, and with a shelf shallow‐marine shelf passing into a slope at the passive continental margin side. Episodic re(activation) of trough bounding faults can be illustrated on the basis of palaeocurrent analysis of fluvial–deltaic plain deposits, in deep‐water fans and in shelfal, tide‐related sediments. The final stage in basin evolution was characterized by the establishment of carbonate systems of probable microbial affinity and mixed tidal siliciclastic–carbonate sediments in the outer shelf. The phases of subsidence and palaeogeographic evolution proposed herein provide the basis for correlation between Cryogenian sediments of the Vorogovka Basin with those on other continents.
Symptoms, diagnoses, and sporting consequences among athletes referred to a Danish sports cardiology clinic
Authors: Kaiser‐Nielsen L. V. , Tischer S. G. , Prescott E. B. , Rasmusen H. K.
Published: December 2015

As the number of recreational athletes performing exercise and participating in competitions at a high‐level increases, exercise‐induced cardiac symptoms may become a more common problem, not least because recreational athletes often continue high‐level exercise programs into advanced ages. We investigated the prevalence of cardiac symptoms and diagnoses among 201 athletes referred for cardiac evaluation at a Sports Cardiology Clinic in Denmark. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of athletes referred for suspected cardiac disease. The athletes were all well‐trained recreational to elite athletes who participated in various sports with different training loads and a wide age span (13–66 years). All patients were referred by physicians, primarily their general practitioner (38%), and palpitations were the most common cardiac symptom (40%). Cardiac symptoms had a sensitivity of 86% in detecting cardiac disease and a specificity of 13%. Cardiac disease was diagnosed in 44% of the patients, and atrial fibrillation was the most prevalent diagnosis (7.5%). Cardiac diseases with therapeutic‐ or sports‐related consequences for the patients were diagnosed in 28% of the population, but only 1% received a recommendation to avoid high‐level sports indefinitely.
Sweat sodium loss influences serum sodium concentration in a marathon
Authors: Lara B. , Salinero J. J. , Areces F. , Ruiz‐Vicente D. , Gallo‐Salazar C. , Abián‐Vicén J. , Del Coso J.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of sweat electrolyte concentration on body water and electrolyte homeostasis during a marathon. Fifty‐one runners completed a marathon race in a warm and dry environment (24.4 ± 3.6 °C). Runners were classified as low‐salt sweaters (n = 21; <30 mmol/L of sweat Na+ concentration), typical sweaters (n = 20; ≥30 and <60 mmol/L of sweat Na+ concentration), and salty sweaters (n = 10; ≥60 mmol/L of sweat Na+ concentration). Before and after the race, body mass and a sample of venous blood were obtained. During the race, sweat samples were collected by using sweat patches, and fluid and electrolyte intake were recorded by using self‐reported questionnaires. Low‐salt, typical and salty sweaters presented similar sweat rates (0.93 ± 0.2, 0.92 ± 0.29, 0.99 ± 0.21 L/h, respectively), body mass changes (−3.0 ± 1.0, −3.3 ± 1.0, −3.2 ± 0.8%), total Na+ intake (12.7 ± 8.1, 11.5 ± 9.7, 14.5 ± 16.6 mmol), and fluid intake (1.3 ± 0.8, 1.2 ± 0.8, 1.2 ± 0.6 L) during the race. However, salty sweaters presented lower post‐race serum Na+ concentration (140.8 ± 1.3 vs 142.5 ± 1.1, 142.4 ± 1.4 mmol/L; P < 0.01) and serum osmolality (297 ± 6 vs 299 ± 5, 301 ± 6 mOsm/kg; P < 0.05) than low‐salt and typical sweaters. Sweat electrolyte concentration could influence post‐race serum electrolyte concentration in the marathon. However, even the saltiest sweaters did not develop exercise‐associated hyponatremia or associated symptoms.
PRODUCT AND TOOLING DESIGN OF SLANTED GLASS INJECTION MOULD FOR VISUALIZATION OF FLOW MOLTEN PLASTIC
Authors: Amran M. , Faizal M. , Shahir M. , Izamshah R. , Sivaraos Sivaraos
Published: December 2015

A two-plate plastic injection mould having a new method of embedded slanted glass at mould cavity side is designed where it can be used to visualize the flow of molten plastic material moving inside the mould cavity. Due to observation of molten plastic materials cannot be done in actual mould made from metal, therefore slanted glass mould is developed. This project shows the design process of slanted glass mould from initial plastic product design until mould tooling design. The plastic product and the slanted glass mould were designed using SolidWorks software. In designing and producing the injection molded plastic product, various factors are needed to be considering such as corner radius, draft angle and the product wall thickness  Two different geometrical shapes of plastic products  have been designed that were the flat and ring plastic product. Meanwhile for mould tooling design, the method to capture the flow pattern of molten plastic materials is the most considering factor in this project. Others considering factors included are location of feeding system, tolerance fitting and water cooling system. Thus, this project helps mould designer the important of design process should be considered during plastic design and tooling design especially for slanted glass injection mould.
STUDY ON THE ROAD TRANSMITTED VIBRATION OF A MOUNTAIN BICYCLE
Authors: Ismail Ahmad Yusuf , Mat Nuri Nur Rashid , Mansor Mazlan Ahmad , Anwar Shukri Muhamad Farid , Afiq Mohamad Amirul
Published: December 2015

Mountain bicycle (MTB) is one the most favorite vehicles in the globe. MTB comfort, in consequence, has then become a challenge issue to the manufacturers since MTB nowadays is not only being used for sports and exercises, but also for daily activities. One of the simplest methods to assess vehicle comfort is by evaluating their vibration level. Thus, this paper presents an experimental assessment on the road transmitted vibration on a MTB through a field test subjected to different road surface conditions and tire sizes. The result shows that the cycling comfort is significantly affected by the road roughness condition and tire size. As the road is rougher, higher force excitation is generated to the bike which is then generating higher vibration. Similarly, as the contact area between the tire and the road is increased, bike vibration is also significantly increased.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MATERIAL REMOVAL RATE AND TOOL WEAR RATE OF COPPER AND ALUMINIUM ON DIE SINKING EDM
Authors: S. Maidin , El Grour H.H. , C. Seeying
Published: December 2015

The electrical discharge machining (EDM) is one of non - conventional machining process where the erosion of the work piece take place based on the thermal energy between the electrode and the work piece. Due to the widely used and its availability, copper and aluminium was used in this study. These two materials was machined using die sinking EDM to study the characteristics of each material using copper electrode. Few research has been conducted to study copper electrode to machined copper work piece and this was considered as a challenge in this research. More heat was generated and more time consumed was the reason behind machining small depth in this research. The important factors such as discharge current, voltage, pulse on time and pulse off time monitored and recorded to know how these factors effect on the Material Removal Rate (MRR) and Tool Wear Ratio (TWR) of the copper and aluminium work piece material. The experiments conducted under the designed full factorial procedure where pulse on-time and pulse current are used as the input parameters. It was found that material MRR increases with increase in current and pulse duration, but MRR is higher during machining of aluminum than that of copper. In term of TWR it is found that the TWR resulting of machining copper is lower than aluminium
ENHANCED STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF LEAD-FREE Y-DOPED (K, Na) NbO3 THIN FILMS
Authors: Akmal Maziati , Al-Amani Umar , Warikh Mohd , Azuwa Nurul
Published: December 2015

Yttrium- doped KNN thin films were grown on Si substrates using the sol-gel technique. The profound effects of Yttrium with different content element (mol % = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9) on the structural and electrical properties of KNN films were analyzed. The doped samples demonstrated a mainly uniform and homogenous microstructure with grain size less than 100 nm. The existence of Y Kα line shown in EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of Y-dopant in KNN based-compound. Small shift position of the Raman peaks indicated that Y incorporated on the interstitial A-site while broaden FWHM ascribed that Y preferably enters B-site lattice at high dopant concentration. The enhanced electrical resistivity at 0.5 mol % Y suggested that more conduction electrons were formed in KNN lattice structure.
EFFECT OF BANANA PEELS AS AN ADDITIVE ON THE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPORTIES OF PARAFFIN OIL
Authors: Hamid A. H. , Masripan N. A. B. , Basiron J. , Mustafa M. M. B. , Hasan R. , Abdollah M. F. B. , Ismail R.
Published: December 2015

In this preliminary studies, friction and wear  properties of banana peel as a natural additive in paraffin oil was performed and evaluate using four-ball tester.  Inverted microscope then was used to measure the wear scar diameter on ball bearing. Coefficient of friction, µ and wear significantly reduced at high load, temperature and speed.  At 100 ºC, the load of 500 and 1000 N, the COF values reduces from 0.1163 to 0.1012 and 0.1235 to 0.1174 respectively.  At the same condition, WSD was found to decrease from 4.81 x 10-4 mm3 to 2.33 x 10-4 mm3 and 4.99 x 10-4 mm3 to 2.75 x 10-4 mm3 at 500 and 1000 rpm respectively.
FABRICATION AND TESTING OF ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY REGENERATIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Authors: Jamil Jazli Firdaus , Abdullah Mohd Azman , Tamaldin Norreffendy , Mohan Ahmed Esmael
Published: December 2015

The world is demanding for alternative way of energy consumption for vehicle usage. The energy efficient vehicle (EEV) is one of the advancement for future land transportation that known as hybrid and electric vehicles nowadays. The vehicles use different energy other than fuel which is electric energy. This paper emphasizes the development of electromagnetic energy regenerative suspension system (EReSS) as a system that harvests energy from the vibration of vehicle suspension system. The harvested energy is converted to electrical energy for vehicle usage. A prototype of electromagnetic EReSS is fabricated and laboratory experimentation on test rig is conducted to test the voltage output. It is observed that the EReSS can harvest the wasted energy from the vibration and produce sufficient electric energy for the vehicle electrical and electronic usage. The number of windings of the coil and diameter of the coil affect the voltage output of the EReSS. The voltage output of the EReSS can be optimized by setting up the parameters. As the EReSS is proven to harvest energy, it can be used on hybrid and electric vehicle to improve the efficiency of the vehicle and reduce the fuel consumption.
THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF µPCM/MWCNT COMPOSITES AT DIFFERENT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: Abdullah Adli Zil Ikram , Bin Abdollah Mohd Fadzli , Amiruddin Hilmi , Mat Yamin Ahmad Kamal , Tamaldin Norrefendy
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of carbon-based materials on the thermal performance of microencapsulated phase-change material (µPCM) for passive cooling applications. The sample was prepared by mixing 5 wt. % of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) into µPCM using a powder metallurgy technique. The mixed powder was then compacted into a disc, having a diameter of 30 mm and a height of 5 mm, using a hot compaction technique. The samples were tested according to the modified ASTM standard. The experimental results demonstrated that the addition of MWCNT into µPCM enabled it to effectively absorb the heat emitted by the aluminium casing compared to pure µPCM. The model results indicated that the temperature of the aluminium could be maintained well at each ambient temperature by using the µPCM/MWCNT composite, thus showing that µPCM/MWCNT can potentially be used for passive thermal management in the future.
THE EFFECTS ON SWAY ANGLE PERFORMANCE IN GANTRY CRANE SYSTEM BY USING PSD ANALYSIS
Authors: Syed Hussien Sharifah Yuslinda , Ghazali Rozaimi , Jaafar Hazriq Izzuan , Chee Soon Chong
Published: December 2015

Gantry Crane is also known as an overhead crane and widely used in industries, constructions or shipyards due to limited human capability to carry the various types of load. This system is developed to load and unload heavy materials from one place to another desired location. The problem is frequently occurs when the crane has to move the load at the required position while minimizing the sway angle of the oscillation. Thus, this research presents the investigation of the 2-D Gantry Crane System which focuses on the sway angle characteristics via Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis. The mathematical dynamic model of the Gantry Crane System is developed using the Lagrange Equation. The system is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment and the results are presented in the form of time and frequency domain. A comparative assessment of the various payload mass and rope length of the system performance is presented and discussed.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS FUZZY-PID VERSUS FUZZY FOR QUADCOPTER ALTITUDE LOCK SYSTEM
Authors: Wicaksono Hendi , Gunawan Yohanes , Yodinata Arbil , Leonardie Leonardie
Published: December 2015

Mostly quadcopter has a flight controller to receive signal from remote control to control four brushless motor speed. In this paper, the researchers introduced a new control method to make quadcopter altitude lock system using Fuzzy-PID and perform a comparative  performance analysis between the Fuzzy controller and the new Fuzzy-PID controller. Fuzzy controller has ability to solve uncertainty within the system, by incorporating with altitude sensor data. On the other hand, Fuzzy-PID has the ability to gain the target level with Kp, Ki, Kd values controlled. In this paper the researchers present an analysis to compare the control method between Fuzzy and Fuzzy-PID with regards to the stability altitude lock system. The stability of the altitude lock system can be measured by how small the oscillations occurred. Fuzzy control has shown to produce better result than Fuzzy-PID control. Fuzzy control has 14 cm as its average oscillation, while Fuzzy-PID recorded 24 cm as its average oscillation.
THE EFFECT OF JAMMING ATTACK DETECTION AND MITIGATION ON ENERGY POWER CONSUMPTION (CASE STUDY IEEE 802.11 WIRELESS AD HOC NETWORK)
Authors: Kushardianto Nur Cahyono , Kusnanto Yudhi , Syafrurizal Elvian , Tohari Ahmad Hamim
Published: December 2015

Quality of Service for data traffic is an important facet of a network, which in the case of a wireless network can easily be disrupted by applying a device to broadcast signals.  The authors believe that the increased of the energy consumption, when a jamming attack occurs, can be used as a guiding indicator in order to mitigate the attack. The authors show that when a reactive jamming attack occurs on a wireless network unmitigated, it can easily block the entire data traffic to the point there is no data can be delivered. The authors also show that, using NS3 simulation, in an event where a reactive jamming attack to the network happened, the source of the attack can be identified through the increased of energy consumption , and successfully mitigated by avoiding sending data traffic through the same channel used by the attacker, by executing channel hopping.
A REFERENCE-MODEL CONTROLLER TO MITIGATE THE EFFECT OF TIME DELAY CHANGE IN A NETWORKED CONTROL SYSTEMS
Authors: Hudaya Rida
Published: December 2015

Various methodologies have been proposed to improve system performance caused by time delay in the network systems. The purpose of this paper is to present an algorithm for mitigating the effect of time delay varying in a Networked Control Systems (NCSs) using a Reference Model Controller. The proposed method is to supervise and measure the transfer function of plant over the network, the result is used to update the reference-model plant. In this experiment, the reference-model used PID controller. The real plant will be driven by the output of PID Controller over the network. With this method, the output of reference-model plant will not be influenced by the delay time varying on the network. The time delay used in this experiment is 0,8s with time delay varying from 0,4s to 1,6s. This time delay is measured directly from the network used by The MatLab software system which is integrated in the reference-model systems. Fact on the filed shows that for the transfer function of reference-model is updated depends on the quality of plants. The good quality plant does no need to update frequently. So this condition can reduce the load of communication and accelerate the control algorithm.
AUTOMATIC DEVELOPMENT OF FUZZY MEMBERSHIP FUNCTIONS ON HEPATITIS PATIENTS DATA USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION (PSO)
Authors: Dewi Candra , Putri P.S Ratna , Indriati Indriati
Published: December 2015

Information about the status of disease (prognosis) for patients with hepatitis is important to determine the type of action to stabilize and cure this disease. Among some system, fuzzy system is one of the methods that can be used to obtain this prognosis. In the fuzzification process, the determination of the exact range of membership function will influence the calculation of membership degree and of course will affect the final value of fuzzy system. This range and function can usually be formed using intuition or by using an algorithm. In this paper, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is implemented to form the triangular membership functions in the case of patients with hepatitis. For testing process, this paper conducts four scenarios to find the best combination of PSO parameter values . Based on the testing it was found that the best parameters to form a membership function range for the hepatitis data is about 0.9, 0.1, 2, 2, 100, 500 for inertia max, inertia min, local ballast constant, global weight constant, the number of particles, and maximum iterations respectively.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON OF DENOISING METHODS FOR HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS
Authors: Muchallil Sayed , Arnia Fitri , Munadi Khairul , Fardian Fardian
Published: December 2015

Image denoising plays an important role in image processing.  It is also part of the pre-processing technique in a binarization complete procedure that consists of pre-processing, thresholding, and post-processing.  Our previous research has confirmed that the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT)-based filtering as the new pre-processing process improved the performance of binarization output in terms of recall and precision. This research compares three classical denoising methods; Gaussian, mean, and median filtering with the DCT-based filtering. The noisy ancient document images are filtered using those classical filtering methods. The outputs of this process are used as the input for Otsu, Niblack, Sauvola and NICK binarization methods. Then the resulted binary images of the three classical methods are compared with those of DCT-based filtering. The performance of all denoising algorithms is evaluated by calculating recall and precision of the resulted binary images.  The result of this research is that the DCT based filtering resulted in the highest recall and precision as compared to the other methods.
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANT BACTERIA FROM SEDIMENT OF COASTAL WATER OF PAHANG, MALAYSIA
Authors: Ab Rahman Nurhazlin , Chowdhury Ahmed Jalal Khan , Zainal Abidin Zaima Azira
Published: December 2015

This study was undertaken to determine the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in sediment of coastal water of Pahang, Malaysia. A total of 125 bacteria were isolated from sediment samples of Tanjung Lumpur (A and B), Teluk Chempedak, Batu Hitam and Balok and tested against 10 different antibiotics by disc diffusion method. In Teluk Chempedak and Balok, the greatest frequencies of resistance in bacteria were found in Polymyxin B and Streptomycin but less common in Chloramphenicol. Meanwhile, high resistance of bacteria against the antibiotic in Tanjung Lumpur existed in Polymyxin B, Penicillin G and Ampicillin, whilst no resistance in bacteria was found in Chloramphenicol, Gentamycin and Erythromycin. Most of the bacteria from Batu Hitam exhibited high resistance to most of the antibiotics tested. Approximately, most of the isolates showed Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index value higher than 0.2 (>0.2) which suggest there are high-risk of antibiotics contamination in the areas. Two isolates that showed resistance to most antibiotics were identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Brevundimonas vesicularis. Findings from this preliminary study revealed the presence of antibiotic resistance strain of bacteria which may indicate the occurrence of antibiotic contamination s at the coastal water of Pahang, Malaysia and this may pose a potential public health implications.
PROTEIN PROFILING OF DIFFERENT PLANT TISSUES FROM HERB PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI
Authors: Mohd Nail Ainul Mardhiah , Md Zin Noor Hasniza
Published: December 2015

Herb Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) is known to have various pharmacological functions including anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive and also anti-diabetic properties.  In this research, the proteomic part of P. niruri was studied to determine the bioactive peptides that responsible for specific characteristics. Total soluble proteins from different plant parts of freshly collected P. niruri were extracted using TCA/acetone method and then quantified using Bradford assay. Fruits part was found to have a significantly higher amount of proteins (4.91µg/µl + 0.21) compared to leaves (4.18µg/µl + 0.15). To determine the quality of proteins in the crude extract, SDS-Page was carried out which separates proteins in the basis of molecular weight. Proteins extracted from leaves were widely distributed between the range of 3.5 kDa to 160 kDA. Meanwhile, proteins in fruits mainly distributed within the range of 15 kDa to 80 kDa. The most highly expressed protein band was found in fruit, located in between 30 to 40 kDa. The protein extracts were then further analyzed based on the molecular weight and isoelectric points using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) approach. Based on the profile pattern obtained from 2D-GE analysis, protein extract from fruits seems to express more protein spots compared to protein extract from leaves. Protein spots from fruit are seen to be intensely resolved within pH 4 to 10 at molecular weight between 10 kDa to 80 kDa. On the other hand, protein spots from leaves were moderately resolved at pH 4 to 10 at molecular weight within 10 kDa to 50 kDa.
CHANGES IN PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ORGANIC ACIDS DURING RIPENING OF FIVE TROPICAL FRUIT SPECIES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Mokhtar Seri Intan , Abd Aziz Nur Ain
Published: December 2015

Malaysia is a tropical country which is rich in various kinds of local fruits. Each has unique characteristics that could be explored further. Some of their compositions can play an important role in improving human life. The research aimed to evaluate the physicochemical composition and organic acid in 5 types of local fruit species in Malaysia, namely Averrhoa bilimbi, Eleiodoxa conferta, Mangifera indica, Phyllanthus acidus and Bouea oppositifolia at different maturity stages. It was observed that titratable acidity significantly decreased with the increasing maturity, while total soluble solid content and pH increased with maturity. All local fruit species at the ripe stage have higher total soluble solid content compared to young stage. Oxalic acid and ascorbic acid were present at all maturity stages of the five local fruit species. Tartaric acid was only present in Bouea oppositifolia while malic acid was present in all local fruit species except for Mangifera indica.
DISCOVERY OF POTENTIAL SSR MARKERS THROUGH GENOME WIDE ANALYSIS OF MAIZE B73 GENOME
Authors: Zainal Abidin Rabiatul Adawiah , Ahmad Seman Zulkifli , Ab Razak Shahril , Abdullah Norzihan , Abu Bakar Umi Kalsom
Published: December 2015

In silico analysis provides an economical approach in the development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers through utilization of genome sequences generated from high throughput sequencing platform. In this study, we present the potential SSR markers of maize mining from its reference genome of cultivar B73. In total, 94, 534 putative SSRs were detected in maize reference genome B73. Dinucleotide repeats (57.00%) were found the most frequent repeats in maize genome, followed by trinucleotide (38.90%), tetranucleotide (2.77%), pentanucleotide (0.85%) and hexanucleotide (0.48%) repeats. A total of 2239 primer pairs were successfully designed for experimental validation. Of these, 99 SSR markers were selected for optimization and only 71(71.71%) SSR primer pairs produced DNA amplification products and therefore validated as developed SSR markers for maize. This in silico approach through genome wide analysis of maize genome not only provides rapid discovery and cost effective methods in SSR markers development but also will act as useful tool for genetic diversity and marker-trait association in maize.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEOLAMARCKIA CADAMBA (KELEMPAYAN) TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES FOR SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY OF PLANTING MATERIALS FOR COMMERCIAL PLANTATION
Authors: A. Rahman Siti Suhaila , Muhammad Norwati , Hassan Nor Hasnida , Ismail Haliza , Abdullah Nazirah , Yahya Muhd. Fuad , Basir Normah , Awan Muhd. Anwar
Published: December 2015

Neolamarckia cadamba (kelempayan) is a multipurpose and fast growing timber species. The tree is grown for timber, paper-making and as ornamental plant. It is reported that its barks and leaves possesed medicinal values and its flowers are used in perfumes. The species is also known to be suitable for plywood, packing case, toys and short-fibred pulp. Therefore, mass production of high quality planting material of N. cadamba is important to support plantation program of this species. Here we presented mass production of N. cadamba through tissue culture techniques. Nodal segments derived from in vitro germinated seeds were used and induced direct organogenesis to produce shoots and roots using MS media (1962) and plant growth regulators (BAP and IBA) that are relatively cheaper than previously used methods. The tissue culture technique of N. cadamba developed may help in ensuring supply of planting materials that are feasible for commercial plantation purposes.
DNA BARCODING OF CAGED PANGASIIDS IN PAHANG RIVER MALAYSIA
Authors: John Akbar , Chowdhury Ahmed Jalal Khan , Mohd Asri Ummu Nasuha , Nordin Noor Faizul Hadry , Ambak Mohd. Azmi
Published: December 2015

The domestication aquaculture selection in farm environment can cause changes in phenotype and genotype of farmed fishes, which may later influence the demographic structure of wild populations if they accidentally escaped from cages. This is an alarming situation for conservation of native species of Pangasius sp. in Pahang River. Hence, the present study was aimed to investigate genetic variation among the fishes collected from different cages from Pahang River. We adopted conventional taxonomical approach to identify species and cross-examined using universal barcode gene Cytochrome Oxydase Subunit 1 (COX1) gene. Samples were collected from 6 commercial cages from Pahang River. Haplotype and genetic diversity among the fishes from different cages were determined. Results from Neighbor Joining tree showed that most of the samples were identified to be Pangasianodon hypothalamus despite having different morphometric character. This study also revealed that most of the caged Pangasius cultured in Pahang River are exotic and non-native to Malaysia. Thus, a continuous monitoring through studies on genetic variation of Pangasius sp. is an essential need for the sustainable development of this endangered fishes in Pahang River.
ISOLATION OF MODERATELY HALOPHILIC LIPASE PRODUCING BACTERIA FROM SPONGES IN PAHANG COASTAL WATER, MALAYSIA
Authors: Tengku Abdul Hamid Tengku Haziyamin , Abdul Hamid Azzmer Azzar , Padzil Nurul Husna
Published: December 2015

Sponges (Porifera) harbour diverse microorganisms which can be the potential source for microbial enzymes such as lipase. In this study, moderately halophilic lipase producing bacteria were isolated from sponges tissues collected near Balok, at Pahang coastal water. Out of 70 isolates that grew on tributyrin agar plate, only 7 isolates had produced clear zones surrounding their colonies. Out of these, 5 isolates appeared to be gram-positive rod; meanwhile, the other 2 isolates were gram-negative rod in morphologies. These isolates were subjected to several biochemical tests i.e., oxidase, gelatin hydrolysis, lactose fermentation, citrate and motility test, and 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. The results from 16S rRNA sequencing showed that 2 isolates (NHTH 6B and NHTH 28A) were highly similar (>97%) with Paenibacillus illinoisensis; isolate NHTH 26A with Stenotrophomonas pavanii; and isolate NHTH 29A with Enterobacter aerogenes. Phylogenetic analysis on selected isolates (NHTH 6B, NHTH 26A, NHTH 28A and NHTH 29A) with other species from the database showed high bootstrap values of above 50%. This showed that diverse phyla of lipase producing bacteria were isolated from the sponge collected from Pahang coastal water. In the isolation of industrial important species, the presence of pathogenic group of microorganism in this sponge could indicate issues on water quality and safety in this area.