bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Al Metal Matrix Composites Produced by the Stir-Casting Method
Authors: Anthymidis K.G. , David Kostas , Trakali A. , Agrianidis P.
Published: September 2013

Composite materials which main constituent part is a metal are called Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs). The other compounds may be metals too, ceramics or even organics. They are well known for their excellent thermo-physical and mechanical properties. Reinforcement is used to improve different properties of the main material, such as wear resistance, hardness, fatigue resistance, friction coefficient, thermal conductivity and others. As a result, during the last years, MMCs have found a lot of application in automobile industry for the production of brakes and parts of engines and in aerospace industry for the production of structural components, as well as in electrical and electronic industry and in many other applications. MMCs can be produced by many ways, such as, powder blending and consolidation, foil diffusion bonding, electroplating, spray deposition, stir-casting and others. In this research stir-casting was used as processing technique for the production of Aluminum matrix composites reinforced by ceramic particles and iron. The morphologies of the produced composite materials were examined using optical and SEM microscopy. The compositions of their micro structural features were determined by EDX spectroscopy. The phases formed were determined by XRD techniques. In the tribological tests, under dry wear conditions, the as-produced composites materials showed significant increased resistance to wear compared to pure Al metal.
Improvement of an Ellipsoidal Void Model for Simulating Ductile Fracture Behavior
Authors: Komori Kazutake
Published: September 2013

An ellipsoidal void model for simulating ductile fracture behavior was proposed by the author [K. Komori: Mech. Mater., Vol. 60 (2013), p. 36]. The nominal fracture strain calculated from this model is slightly larger than that calculated from the finite-element void cell when the initial void volume fraction is specified. To decrease the difference, an assumption must be made that the deformation gradient of the void does not coincide with that of the matrix. This study proposes a simple relationship between the two deformation gradients that produces agreement between the nominal fracture strain calculated using the ellipsoidal void model and that using the finite-element void cell.
Perfect Orderings on Finite Rank Bratteli Diagrams
Authors: Bezuglyi S. , Kwiatkowski J. , Yassawi R.
Published: September 2013

Given a Bratteli diagram B, we study the set 𝒪B of all possible orderings on B and its subset PB consisting of perfect orderings that produce Bratteli–Vershik topological dynamical systems (Vershik maps). We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the ordering ω to be perfect. On the other hand, a wide class of non-simple Bratteli diagrams that do not admit Vershik maps is explicitly described. In the case of finite rank Bratteli diagrams, we show that the existence of perfect orderings with a prescribed number of extreme paths constrains significantly the values of the entries of the incidence matrices and the structure of the diagram B. Our proofs are based on the new notions of skeletons and associated graphs, defined and studied in the paper. For a Bratteli diagram B of rank k, we endow the set 𝒪B with product measure μ and prove that there is some 1 ≤ j ≤ k such that μ-almost all orderings on B have j maximal and j minimal paths. If j is strictly greater than the number of minimal components that B has, then μ-almost all orderings are imperfect.
Development of New Attachment System with Soft Lining Material for Implant-retained Complete Denture
Authors: Ueda Takayuki , Sakurai Kaoru , Patil Pravinkumar G , Koike Takashi , Noda Syuutarou , Ogami Koichiro
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The retention of complete dentures is frequently difficult in edentulous patients with a severely resorbed residual alveolar ridge. In such cases, implant overdentures having a stronger retention force are useful. Although there are various types of attachment systems for implant overdentures, they are frequently complicated. We are, therefore, developing a simple attachment system focusing on a soft lining material for the female connector. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the retention force of implant overdentures applying a soft lining material for the attachment.

Materials and methods

The models in which seven male and female connector pairs were used. As the control, a rubber O-ring attachment system, in which a rubber O-ring female was paired with a metal ball anchor (male), having a diameter of 1.7 or 2.2 mm. In the attachment system with a soft lining material, a female component was made up of soft lining material paired with a male having a diameter of 1.7, 2.2, 2.5, 2.7 or 3.0 mm. In measuring the retention force, the maximum force required to dislodge the male from the female was recorded by a digital force gauge.

Results

With the rubber O-ring, the retention force was 2.9 ± 0.2 N for the 1.7 mm male and 3.3 ± 0.3 N for the 2.2 mm male; these values were higher than the respective retention forces when using a soft lining material as the female and a male of the same diameter. However, with the female comprising soft lining material, the retention force exceeded 4 N for the 2.5, 2.7 and 3.0 mm males and was higher than the retention forces for the rubber O-ring.

Conclusion

The proposed attachment system with soft lining material for implant overdentures provides a clinically sufficient retention force when the diameter of the male exceeds 2.5 mm.

How to cite this article

Koike T, Ueda T, Noda S, Ogami K, Patil PG, Sakurai K. Development of New Attachment System with Soft Lining Material for Implant-retained Complete Denture. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2013;3(1):21-24.
Severity of illness in the case-mix specification and performance: A study for Italian public hospitals
Authors: Claudio Pinto
Published: September 2013

Background: Public hospitals’ expenditures in Italy is approximately 45% of total public health financing. The reduction of public debt requires reducing total public health, as well as hospital expenditures in the public sector. Past health reforms introduced rules to improve the efficiency in controlling hospital costs with a better use of resources. The objective of this study is to derive technical efficiency as a performance measurement in the directly managed public hospitals in Italy under different case-mix specifications, as well as to discover the effect of it on technical efficiency. Methods: Two different Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models are solved. To control for the influence of the case-mix complexity/severity of illness on technical efficiency, the distributions of DEA efficiency scores are compared applying statistical tests developed in the non-parametric efficiency analysis. Results: On average, in the year 2007, the technical efficiency in the sample is lower (0.8071) in model B (output mix with weighted Case Mix Index) than in model A (0.8748). The bootstrap-corrected efficiency scores of models B and A are respectively 0.7185 and 0.8106. On average, the case mix index in the sample is 0.87859. Statistical tests confirm that the differences in the efficiency scores distribution are statistically significant, confirming that treatment complexity has influenced technical efficiency. At the individual hospital level, the effect is more evident, modifying the rank and the technical efficiency of the hospitals. Conclusions: The different case-mix specifications adjusted with Case Mix Index, generate statistically significant differences in the distribution of the efficiency scores. This evidence permits us to conclude that the performance of the Local Health Trust’s directly managed public Italian hospitals is influenced by the hospitals’ case-mix severity/complexity. As a policy indication, we can observe that the need for policy makers and hospital managers to reduce hospital costs conflicts with the need to guarantee an optimum level of hospital resources with different case-mix complexities of the treated cases.
La littératie médiatique à l’école : une (r)évolution multimodale
Authors: Lebrun Monique , Lacelle Nathalie , Boutin Jean-François
Published: September 2013

La multiplication effrénée des outils de production et de diffusion numériques, parmi d’autres ressources sémiotiques, nous oblige aujourd’hui à repenser la notion de littératie. Il ne suffit plus de savoir lire et écrire, il s’agit désormais d’appliquer ces compétences à l’univers numérique, ce qui a donné naissance à un champ multidisciplinaire auquel l’école commence à peine à s’intéresser, soit la littératie médiatique multimodale. D’abord, nous présentons les fondements sémiotiques et épistémologiques de la littératie médiatique multimodale. Suit un développement sur l’évolution du concept et des pratiques de littératie médiatique au Canada et au Québec. Nous terminons par la description des résultats de notre enquête sur les perceptions des jeunes quant à leurs habiletés multimodales et par quelques recommandations touchant l’institution scolaire.
A microbial clock provides an accurate estimate of the postmortem interval in a mouse model system
Authors: Metcalf Jessica L , Wegener Parfrey Laura , Gonzalez Antonio , Lauber Christian L , Knights Dan , Ackermann Gail , Humphrey Gregory C , Gebert Matthew J , Van Treuren Will , Berg-Lyons Donna , Keepers Kyle , Guo Yan , Bullard James , Fierer Noah , Carter David O , Knight Rob
Published: September 2013

Establishing the time since death is critical in every death investigation, yet existing techniques are susceptible to a range of errors and biases. For example, forensic entomology is widely used to assess the postmortem interval (PMI), but errors can range from days to months. Microbes may provide a novel method for estimating PMI that avoids many of these limitations. Here we show that postmortem microbial community changes are dramatic, measurable, and repeatable in a mouse model system, allowing PMI to be estimated within approximately 3 days over 48 days. Our results provide a detailed understanding of bacterial and microbial eukaryotic ecology within a decomposing corpse system and suggest that microbial community data can be developed into a forensic tool for estimating PMI.
Mucopolysaccharidosis VI: cardiac involvement and the impact of enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Kampmann Christoph , Lampe Christina , Whybra‐Trümpler Catharina , Wiethoff Christiane M. , Mengel Eugen , Arash Laila , Beck Michael , Miebach Elke
Published: September 2013

Objective

To describe cardiac abnormalities in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VI and to evaluate the impact of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on cardiac structure and function.

Methods

Data from electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluations were retrospectively collected from patients with MPS VI who are followed up at the Children's Hospital of Mainz.

Results

The study included 44 (16 male and 28 female) patients. At baseline, valvular regurgitation (mainly aortic and mitral) and left ventricular (LV) volume overload were present in over half of patients. Other common cardiac manifestations were sinus tachycardia, LV hypertrophy, concentric LV remodelling, and pulmonary hypertension. One patient had left atrial dilation and one had congestive heart failure. Interventricular septal wall thickness and LV posterior wall thickness were above normal in most patients. Twenty five patients had a pre‐ERT and at least one follow‐up visit after ERT start. Mean follow‐up after ERT start was 5.6 (SD 2.3) years. Despite the late onset (mean age 14.6 years) of treatment, ERT appeared to improve or arrest the progression of LV remodelling and LV hypertrophy and suspend the progression of cardiac valve disease.

Conclusions

MPS VI is associated with an array of cardiac manifestations. ERT appears to have some impact on cardiac structure and function when started late in life, but may have better long‐term results when started during early infancy.
On the formation of streamwise vortices by plasma vortex generators
Authors: Jukes Timothy N. , Choi Kwing-So
Published: September 2013

The streamwise vortices generated by dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuators in the laminar boundary layer were investigated using particle image velocimetry to understand the vortex-formation mechanisms. The plasma vortex generator was oriented along the primary flow direction to produce a body force in the spanwise direction. This created a spanwise-directed wall jet which interacted with the oncoming boundary layer to form a coherent streamwise vortex. It was found that the streamwise vortices were formed by the twisting and folding of the spanwise vorticity in the oncoming boundary layer into the outer shear layer of the spanwise wall jet, which added its own vorticity to increase the circulation along the actuator length. This is similar to the delta-shaped, vane-type vortex generator, except that the circulation was enhanced by the addition of the vorticity in the plasma jet. It was also observed that the plasma vortex was formed close to the wall with an enhanced wall-ward entrainment, which created strong downwash above the actuator.
Tom Tiddler’s Ground: Irregular Medical Practitioners and Male Sexual Problems in New Zealand, 1858–1908
Authors: Watson Lindsay R.
Published: September 2013

Irregular practitioners (‘quacks’) specialising in male sexual problems succeeded in nineteenth-century New Zealand by taking advantage of the growing population of unattached men who were ignorant of their own sexual physiology. The irregulars also profited from the regular practitioners’ acceptance of ill-defined or imaginary male sexual disorders and the side effects of conventional venereal disease treatments, the lack of a clear demarcation between quacks and the regular medical profession, and an increased availability of newspaper advertising. Improvements in the postal system enabled quacks to reach more potential customers by mail, their preferred sales method. The decline in quackery resulted from scientific advances in the understanding of disease and government legislation to privilege regular practitioners and limit quacks’ access to postal services and advertising.
Mediators between Theoretical and Practical Medieval Knowledge: Medical Notebooks from the Cairo Genizah and their Significance
Authors: Lev Efraim
Published: September 2013

This article presents a plethora of fragments from the medical notebooks found in the Cairo Genizah that comprise a unique source of historical data for scholarly study and for a better understanding of the ways in which medieval medical knowledge in Egypt was transferred from theory to practice and vice versa. These documents provide the most direct evidence we have for preferred practical medical recipes because they record the choices of medical practitioners in medieval Cairo. Since the language most commonly used in them was Judaeo-Arabic, they were evidently written by Jews. The medical genre in the notebooks was primarily pharmacopoeic, consisting of apparently original recipes for the treatment of various diseases. There are also a few notebooks onmateria medica. The subject matter of the Genizah medical notebooks shows that they were mostly of an eclectic nature, i.e. the writers had probably learnt about these treatments and recipes from their teachers, applied them at the hospitals where they worked or copied them from the books they read. Foremost among the subjects dealt with were eye diseases, followed by skin diseases, coughs and colds, dentistry and oral hygiene, and gynaecological conditions. The writers of the Genizah notebooks apparently recorded the practical medical knowledge they wished to preserve for their future use as amateur physicians, students, traditional healers or professional practitioners.
Strongholds and Battlegrounds: Measuring Party Support Stability in Canada
Authors: Bodet Marc André
Published: September 2013

Abstract.Despite the nationalization of politics in established democracies, the study of local dynamics remains fundamental to our understanding of electoral politics, especially in plurality contests. In plurality systems, local competition indeed has important consequences for the distribution of seats in parliaments and cabinets. While a plethora of measures exists to assess electoral competitiveness, none adequately captures the dynamic nature of party support at the local level. Making use of the Canadian case as an illustration, we propose a new classification of electoral districts that aims at filling this gap. Districts are divided into two categories, strongholds and battlegrounds, depending on the successive performances of parties. We argue that such a classification should be utilized in addition to static measures of competitiveness, notably in the study of political participation.

Résumé.Malgré la nationalisation de la politique au sein des démocraties établies, l'étude des dynamiques locales demeure fondamentale pour bien comprendre la politique électorale, particulièrement dans les systèmes pluralitaires où la compétition locale a des conséquences importantes sur la distribution des sièges au parlement et au cabinet. Bien qu'il existe une panoplie de mesures de compétition électorale, aucune ne capture adéquatement la nature dynamique de l'appui aux partis à l'échelle locale. À l'aide du cas canadien, nous proposons une nouvelle classification des districts électoraux qui corrige cette lacune. Les districts sont divisés en deux catégories – bastions et champs de bataille – en fonction des performances successives des partis en présence. Nous suggérons que cette classification soit utilisée en plus d'autres mesures statiques, notamment dans l'étude de la participation électorale.
Domestic Investigation and Prosecution of Atrocities Committed during Military Operations: The Impact of Judgments of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Borelli Silvia
Published: September 2013

The undeniable impact of the European Convention on Human Rights on the legal systems – and the wider society – of Member States of the Council of Europe would not have been possible without its unique monitoring system, centred around the European Court of Human Rights and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The present article assesses the extent to which the European Court's judgments that have found violations of the procedural obligations under Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention to investigate unlawful killings, disappearances, acts of torture or other ill-treatment have, in fact, led to an improvement in the capability of the domestic legal systems of states parties to ensure accountability for such abuses. On the basis of four case studies, it is concluded that the European Court's judgments, coupled with the supervisory powers of the Committee of Ministers, have the potential to make a very great impact on the capability of domestic legal systems to deal with gross violations of fundamental human rights, and have led to clear and positive changes within the domestic legal systems of respondent states. Nevertheless, this is by no means always the case, and it is suggested that, in order for the Convention system to achieve its full potential in the most politically charged cases, the European Court should adopt a more proactive approach to its remedial powers by ordering specific remedial measures, to include in particular the opening or reopening of investigations.
Methylation of the oxytocin receptor gene and oxytocin blood levels in the development of psychopathy
Authors: Dadds Mark R. , Moul Caroline , Cauchi Avril , Dobson-Stone Carol , Hawes David J. , Brennan John , Ebstein Richard E.
Published: September 2013

Child conduct problems (CPs) are a robust predictor of adult mental health; the concurrence of callous–unemotional (CU) traits confers specific risk for psychopathy. Psychopathy may be related to disturbances in the oxytocin (OXT) system. Evidence suggests that epigenetic changes in the OXT receptor gene (OXTR) are associated with lower circulating OXT and social–cognitive difficulties. We tested methylation levels ofOXTRin 4- to 16-year-old males who met DSM criteria for a diagnosis of oppositional–defiant or conduct disorder and were stratified by CU traits and age. Measures were DNA methylation levels of six CpG sites in the promoter region of theOXTRgene (where a CpG site is a cytosine nucleotide occurs next to a guanine nucleotide in the linear sequence of bases along its lenth, linked together by phosphate binding), and OXT blood levels. High CU traits were associated with greater methylation of theOXTRgene for two cytosine nucleotide and guanine nucleotide phosphate linked sites and lower circulating OXT in older males. Higher methylation correlated with lower OXT levels. We conclude that greater methylation ofOXTRcharacterizes adolescent males with high levels of CU and CPs, and this methylation is associated with lower circulating OXT and functional impairment in interpersonal empathy. The results add genetic evidence that high CU traits specify a distinct subgroup within CP children, and they suggest models of psychopathy may be informed by further identification of these epigenetic processes and their functional significance.
New sauropod dinosaur material from Jones Ranch: a large Comanchean nonmammalian tetrapod from Texas
Authors: Winkler D. A. , Polcyn M. J. , Jacobs L. L.
Published: September 2013

New sauropod dinosaur material is described from Jones Ranch, Early Cretaceous of Texas (USA). Originally described asPaluxysaurus jonesi, the material from Jones Ranch has recently been referred toSauroposeidon proteles. Elements newly prepared from dense concretionary matrix include the sacrum, ilium and proximal portion of the tail. Reconstructions of the skull and sacrum plus pelvic girdles are presented. ‘Paluxysaurus jonesi’ (=S. proteles) is a blunt-faced sauropod that was originally regarded as closely related toBrachiosaurus. Portions of the sacrum are now exposed and show that it is nearly complete, missing only parts of the first sacral (S1). The anterior sacrals are firmly fused, however, a newly discovered opisthocoelous last sacral (S6) remains unfused. A complete sequence of proximal caudal vertebrae shows a rapid transition from anteroposteriorly short and mediolaterally broad centra anteriorly, to more elongate cylindrical centra posteriorly. All proximal caudals have slightly amphicoelous centra. Some middle anterior caudals have a shallow longitudinal groove on the ventral surface of the centrum. Specimens from Jones Ranch exhibit characters of the sacrum and tail that clearly corroborate placement of ‘P. jonesi’(Sauroposeidon proteles)as a somphospondylan titanosauriform.
A comparative analysis of role attainment and impairment in binge-eating disorder and bulimia nervosa: results from the WHO World Mental Health Surveys
Authors: Kessler R.C. , Shahly V. , Hudson J.I. , Supina D. , Berglund P.A. , Chiu W.T. , Gruber M. , Aguilar-Gaxiola S. , Alonso J. , Andrade L.H. , Benjet C. , Bruffaerts R. , de Girolamo G. , de Graaf R. , Florescu S.E. , Haro J.M. , Murphy S.D. , Posada-Villa J. , Scott K. , Xavier M.
Published: September 2013

Background.

Cross-national population data from the WHO World Mental Health surveys are used to compare role attainments and role impairments associated with binge-eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN).

Methods.

Community surveys assessed 23 000 adults across 12 countries for BED, BN and ten other DSM-IV mental disorders using the WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Age-of-onset was assessed retrospectively. Ten physical disorders were assessed using standard conditions checklists. Analyses examined reciprocal time-lagged associations of eating disorders (EDs) with education, associations of early-onset (i.e., prior to completing education) EDs with subsequent adult role attainments and cross-sectional associations of current EDs with days of role impairment.

Results.

BED and BN predicted significantly increased education (females). Student status predicted increased risk of subsequent BED and BN (females). Early-onset BED predicted reduced odds of current (at time of interview) marriage (females) and reduced odds of current employment (males). Early-onset BN predicted increased odds of current work disability (females and males). Current BED and BN were both associated with significantly increased days of role impairment (females and males). Significant BED and BN effects on adult role attainments and impairments were explained by controls for comorbid disorders.

Conclusions.

Effects of BED on role attainments and impairments are comparable with those of BN. The most plausible interpretation of the fact that these associations are explained by comorbid disorders is that causal effects of EDs are mediated through secondary disorders. Controlled treatment effectiveness studies are needed to trace out long-term effects of BED–BN on secondary disorders.
Recent Progress in the Electrochemical Detection of Disease‐Related Diagnostic Biomarkers
Authors: Vasilescu Alina , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Gáspár Szilveszter
Published: September 2013

Over 60% of the information held on the patient record comes from diagnostic tests, according to an estimation by the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association. Because they are often time consuming and expensive (or even not yet existing), significant effort is currently directed towards developing simple, fast and cheap diagnostic tests. However, adding simplicity, speed and cost effectiveness to the reliability of such tests is one of the main challenges of clinical diagnostics. Electrochemical sensors for detection of proteins, DNA sequences, or cells are regarded by many as appropriate tools to overcome this challenge. Therefore, the present chapter offers an overview of electrochemical sensors able to detect markers of cancer, cardiac diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hepatitis, rheumathoid arthritis, celiac disease, and urinary tract infection. The use of nanotechnology in the development of the sensors is one of the main trends observed. Nanotechnology provides a gain in sensitivity but can also lead to reproducibility and reliability problems, high costs, and unclear sensor structure and mechanism of signal generation. Replacing antibodies with aptamers is another trend observed. Compared to antibodies, aptamers are easier to obtain and more robust. Lab‐on‐a‐chip approaches, multiplexing and total diagnosis systems integrating different biorecognition principles on the same platform (e.g. DNA hybridization and immunosensing) appear as part of the future of electrochemical sensors for clinical diagnosis. Adding tests with real samples to the characterization of the sensors with standard solutions is another characteristic of the recent research in the field. Such tests are welcome as they are the only way to eventually achieve a significant acceptance of these sensors outside the research community involved in their development. Electrochemical sensors are still in need of such acceptance.
The Prospects for Real‐Time Raman Spectroscopy for Oesophageal Neoplasia
Authors: Almond Max , Rhys‐Lloyd Gavin , Hutchings Jo , Shetty Geeta , Shepherd Neil , Kendall Catherine , Stone Nicholas , Barr Hugh
Published: September 2013

Raman spectroscopy can provide exquisite sensitivity for molecular analysis of degenerating pre malignant changes in the oesophagus. We are interested in the prospect of rapid endoscopic diagnosis during endoscopy using Raman. The early changes of dysplasia are invisible to white‐light inspection. If detected, the dysplastic area can then be immediately removed and the surrounding area treated. The problem has been that histopathological classification, which is very challenging in these very early abnormalities. We have built prognostic models to classify these areas of abnormality and related the spectral classification to the patient prognosis and development of invasive cancer. The hypothesis is that the Raman signature allows biochemical detection at a biochemical and molecular level prior to morphological changes within the tissue. It is becoming clear that the dependence on the histological appearance of cells to establish a diagnosis of these early changes is subject to great variation and can be highly subjective. In addition, pathological analysis of tissue is very time consuming, expensive, and requires tissue biopsy. Kerkhof et al. demonstrated a poor level of interobserver agreement between expert histopathologists (K=0.58) in the grading of low‐grade (LGD) and high‐grade (HGD) oesophageal dysplasia. This distinction has vital consequences for patient management as LGD can be monitored by serial surveillance endoscopy, whereas HGD necessitates early endoscopic therapy or even surgery, and carries a significant risk of malignant progression. As well as being difficult to classify histologically, dysplasia can be extremely difficult or even impossible to recognise at endoscopy. Raman spectroscopy (RS) could remove the subjectivity from the histopathological assessment by measuring precise biochemical information about the target tissue. A Raman fibre‐optic probe could also enable real‐time diagnosis facilitating immediate treatment of suspicious areas of tissue during endoscopy, and could be used as a surgical adjunct.
Accessory subunits of mitochondrial complex I
Authors: Kmita Katarzyna , Zickermann Volker
Published: September 2013

Mitochondrial complex I has a molecular mass of almost 1 MDa and comprises more than 40 polypeptides. Fourteen central subunits harbour the bioenergetic core functions. We are only beginning to understand the significance of the numerous accessory subunits. The present review addresses the role of accessory subunits for assembly, stability and regulation of complex I and for cellular functions not directly associated with redox-linked proton translocation.
Determination of thermodynamic parameters of nanocalcium molybdate reaction system by microcalorimetry
Authors: Fan Gaochao , Huang Zaiyin
Published: September 2013

Calcium molybdate (CaMoO4) nanorods with uniform size were harvested by a gentle and facile reverse‐microemulsion method. Each of the prepared nanorods was about 250 nm in length and 80 nm in diameter. By combining thermodynamic and thermokinetic theories, thermodynamic parameters of the nanoCaMoO4 reaction system such as standard molar enthalpy of reaction (ΔrHmθ), standard molar activation Gibbs free energy of reaction (Δr≠Gmθ), standard molar activation enthalpy of reaction (Δr≠Hmθ) and standard molar activation entropy of reaction (Δr≠Smθ) were successfully acquired by applying microcalorimetry. The significant differences of the thermodynamic parameters between nanoCaMoO4 and bulk CaMoO4 reaction systems are also discussed and the reason can be rooted in the surface effect of nanomaterials.
Lascivious Vines, Corrupted Virgins, and Crimes of Honor: Variations on the Wine Production Myth as Narrated in Early Persian Poetry
Authors: Brookshaw Dominic Parviz
Published: September 2013

The Persian wine production myth centers on the relationship between a male vintner and his female vine and her daughters, the grapes. This myth, the earliest extant examples of which are found inqasīdasby the Samanid poets Rūdakī and Bashshār Marghazī and which was much developed by Manūchihrī and his contemporary Farrukhī, contains images of femininity, the mother–child bond, separation, violence, execution, and ultimate redemption. The grape harvest comes in the late summer and culminates in the Mihragān festival, a celebration focused on the grape and grape wine, at which poems containing versions of the wine production myth were recited. The present study maps the evolution of this myth over the span of a century through a close reading of eleven poems with specific reference to variations in narrative structure.
‘Rehearsing the Unrehearsed’: Reflections on the Concept of Presence in Dramatherapy and Performance Training
Authors: Hougham Richard
Published: September 2013

The phenomenon of therapeutic presence is notoriously difficult to articulate and may benefit from dialogue with the discipline of performance studies. This paper discusses how qualities of therapeutic presence can be contextualised as performative in nature. Qualities of presence in both the therapist and the performer are discussed, with specific reference to Eugenio Barba and the cultivation of presence in training both the actor and the therapist. The author then reflects on the piece ‘The Artist is Present’ by Marina Abramovic for its capacity to explore presence and intimacy within a performance piece.
A Survey of Synthetic Cannabinoid Consumption by Current Cannabis Users
Authors: Gunderson Erik W. , Haughey Heather M. , Ait-Daoud Nassima , Joshi Amruta S. , Hart Carl L.
Published: September 2013

Background

Despite growing concern about the increased rates of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use and their effects, only limited data are available that addresses these issues. This study assessed the extent of SC product use and reported effects among a cohort of adult marijuana and tobacco users.

Methods

A brief telephone interview was conducted with individuals who had given permission to be contacted for future research while screening for a cannabis/nicotine dependence medication development study (NCT01204723).

Results

Respondents ( N = 42; 88% participation rate) were primarily young adults, male, racially diverse, and high school graduates. Nearly all currently smoked tobacco and cannabis, with 86% smoking cannabis on 5 or more days per week. Nearly all (91%) were familiar with SC products, half (50%) reported smoking SC products previously, and a substantial minority (24%) reported current use (i.e., past month). Despite a federal ban on 5 common SCs, which went into effect on March 1, 2011, a number of respondents reported continued SC product use. Common reasons reported for use included, but were not limited to, seeking a new “high” similar to that produced by marijuana and avoiding drug use detection via a positive urine screen. The primary side effects were trouble thinking clearly, headache, dry mouth, and anxiety. No significant differences were found between synthetic cannabinoid product users (ever or current) and nonusers by demographics or other characteristics.

Conclusions

Among current marijuana and tobacco users, SC product consumption was common and persisted despite a federal ban. The primary reasons for the use of SC-containing products seem to be to evade drug detection and to experience a marijuana-like high.
Modified Fermentation for Production of Bacterial Cellulose/Polyaniline as Conductive Biopolymer Material
Authors: Pa’e Norhayati , Zahan Khairul Azly , Muhamad Ida Idayu , Seng Kok Fook
Published: September 2013

Bacterial cellulose is a pure and highly hydrophilic material with high mechanical strength. Furthermore by adding certain substrates or by manipulating the operating conditions it is possible to change the properties of the bacterial cellulose. The objective of this research is to develop a modified method for fabrication of bacterial cellulose-polyaniline films. Polyaniline was incorporated into bacterial cellulose during fermentation by Acetobacter xylinum in order to produce conductive film. Bacterial cellulose/polyaniline film was synthesized with addition of polyaniline in Rotary-discs reactor during bacterial cellulose formation. The conductivity of film produced was measured and compared. The effects of polyaniline concentration were studied and the relationship between polyaniline concentration and film conductivity were determined.
Potential of Antimicrobial Film Containing Thymol with pH Indicator to Increase Biosafety of Packed Food
Authors: Khairuddin Nozieana , Muhamad Ida Idayu
Published: September 2013

Antimicrobial (AM) packaging incorporated with pH indicator is a promising form of smart food packaging with great potential; economically, environmentally and increase biosafety of packed food. An AM Smart Packaging is made by incorporating suitable AM agents into food package matrices and applying a bio switch concept to inhibit the spoilage and the pathogenic microorganisms for the safety of food. The value-added pH indicator system will be used to monitor the condition of packaged foods to give information about the chemical-microbiological quality of the packaged food during transport and storage. The main objective of this study was to develop the formulation of AM starch-based film in which the active compound, thymol was incorporated into the polymeric material. A solution casting method was used in the film preparation and thymol was incorporated prior to casting. The physical and chemical characterizations of the prepared film gave valuable information on moisture content and chemical composition of the films. The AM film had a relatively smoother, cleaner and more compact surfaces compared to the control film. The resultant film with reduction in moisture content was used to indicate the relationship between thymol and water molecules in the diffusion mechanism throughout the film matrices. FTIR analysis implied the consistency of the chemical composition and structure of the AM film compared to the control film indicating that the addition of thymol into the film did not affect or alter the carbonyl functional groups and stability of the film.
Production of L-Asparaginase from Aspergillus Niger using Agro Wastes By-Products in Submerged Fermentation Process
Authors: Anjum Zia Muhammad Anjum Zia , Bashir Rabia , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Iftikhar Tehreema
Published: September 2013

The project was carried out to obtain maximum yield of L-asparaginase from Aspergillus niger using by-products of agro wastes incorporated with organic salts in submerged fermentation process. The main objective of the project was to study the kinetic parameters of L-asparaginase productivity. After optimization maximum enzyme activity (2.83U/mL±0.065) was achieved using corn steep liquor as a substrate and with 4% inoculum, pH 6.5, 1% substrate concentration, 96 hrs fermentation time period and 1% glucose was used as additional supplement to the growth media to obtain better yield of L-asparaginase. This study showed that glucose concentration beyond 1% suppressed the enzymatic activity. From the results it can be concluded that L-Asparaginase production was optimized when cheap agro-waste products were used as a substrate at low concentrations and under acidic conditions. Its relative stability in acidic pH conditions make it ideal for applications in health care systems and pharmaceutical industry.
Fuzzy Generalized Bi–Γ–Ideals of Type (λ, θ) In Ordered Γ–Semigroups
Authors: Khan Faiz Muhammad , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Khan Asghar
Published: September 2013

Subscribing to the Zadeh’s idea on fuzzy sets, many researchers strive to identify the key attributes of these sets for new finding in mathematics. In this perspective, we introduce a new concept of fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideal of an ordered Γ–semigroup G called a (λ, θ)–fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideal ofG. Fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideals of type (λ, θ) are the generalization of ordinary fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideals of an ordered Γ–semigroup G. A new classification of ordered Γ–semigroups in terms of a (λ, θ)–fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideal is given. Furthermore, we proved that U(μ, t) is a generalized bi–Γ–ideal if and only if the fuzzy subset μ is a (λ, θ)–fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideal of G for all t ∈(λ,θ]. Similarly, A is a generalized bi–Γ–ideal if and only if the characteristic function μA of A is a (λ, θ)–fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideal of G. Finally, the relationship between ordinary fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideal and (λ, θ)–fuzzy generalized bi–Γ–ideal is discussed.
Selective and Simultaneous Solid Phase Extraction of Polar and Non–Polar Organophosphorus Pesticides Using Sol–Gel Hybrid Silica–Based Sorbent
Authors: Wan Ibrahim Wan Aini , Wan Ismail Wan Norfazilah , Sanagi Mohd Marsin
Published: September 2013

A new sol–gel hybrid silica–based sorbent, methyltrimethoxysilane–cyanopropyltriethoxysilane (MTMOS–CNPrTEOS) produced in our laboratory was used for highly selective and simultaneous solid phase extraction (SPE) of two polar organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and four non–polar OPPs from water samples. The two polar OPPs used as test analytes are dicrotophos and methamidophos while the four non–polar OPPs are diazinon, malathion, methidathion, and chlorpyrifos. Analysis of OPPs was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in scan mode. Extraction efficiency (based on peak area response) of the new sol–gel hybrid MTMOS–CNPrTEOS was superior to commercial C18 SPE sorbent. The new sorbent showed higher selectivity towards the polar dicrotophos and methamidophos and it was also able to simultaneously extract the four non–polar OPPs with higher extraction efficiency. The limit of detection at S/N=3 for the new sol–gel hybrid sorbent is 5–9× lower and similar accuracy for the six OPPs compared to commercial C18 SPE sorbent. The new sol–gel hybrid material showed high potential as an alternative sorbent material for solid phase extraction of OPPs of wide polarity. It was successfully applied to the selective and simultaneous extraction the six OPPs from tap water and lake water samples.
Synthesis of Nanosiliceous Zeolite and its Functionalization with Silane Derivatives
Authors: Hassan Norfariha , Ramli Zainab , Endud Salasiah
Published: September 2013

A nanosiliceous zeolite has been synthesized using hydrothermal method. Theoretically, nanosiliceous zeolite contains a lot of silanol group which allow the functionalization process for surface modification. Siliceous zeolite of the type silicalite (Sil) has been synthesized hydrothermally at 150°C for 4 days. The silicalite material was then functionalized with silane derivatives i.e 3–(triethoxysilyl)–propylamine (APTES), octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and (3–mercaptopropyl)–trimethoxysilane (MPTS) using post–synthesis method. XRD results showed the formation of silicalite phase crystallinity. The FTIR result showed that Sil–OTS gave the highest intensity of the vibration assigned for silane derivative, followed by Sil–APTES and Sil–MPTS. The BET surface area of the functionalized–Sil decreased, showing the attachment of silane derivatives to silicalite has occurred. FESEM results showed sheet of hexagonal stick together to form granule–like crystal morphology of functionalized–Sil samples with larger particle size was observed for Sil–OTS, followed by Sil–APTES and Sil–MPTS after functionalization process. The functionalized–Sil sample is expected to be a good support for chemosensor molecules.
Uncertainty Analysis of Hp(10)meas/Hp(10)del Ratio for TLD–100H at Energy 24–1250 keV
Authors: Priharti W. , Samat S. B. , Kadir A. B. A.
Published: September 2013

The Hp(10) of an ideal TLD is independent of photon energy. This is to say that at any photon energy, the ratio R of the measured dose Hp(10)meas to the delivered dose Hp(10)del is always 1. In practice however the Hp(10) is dependent on the energy and R is not equal to 1. For this reason, ICRP has set the lower limit LL and upper limit UL for R as 0.55≤R≤1.63 for detection limit of 0.1 mSv and Hp(10)del=1 mSv. As R is the quantity arises from the measurement processes, the existence of uncertainty of R, i.e. ΔR is inevitable. In the boundary cases, such as when R is slightly lower than LL or slightly larger than UL, ΔR would serve a useful quantity in decision making either to accept or to reject the value of R. The purpose of the present work is to estimate ΔR for the TLD–100H for photon energy of 24–1250 keV. The estimation of ΔR is based on the error propagation method. For the eleven photon energies, this work obtained (a) R in the range of 0.77 to 1.16, (b) ΔR in the range of ± 0.02 to ± 0.04. The values of R were satisfactory as they complied the ICRP limit. The determined ΔR is considered very small as it is in the order of 3% in comparison of R.
Prototyping of Polymer based Microbioreactors: Micromachining by using Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) and Poly(Dimethylsiloxane) Polymer Materials
Authors: Halimoon Hazwan , Zainal Alam Muhd Nazrul Hisham
Published: September 2013

Polymers have been widely accepted as materials for the fabrication of microbioreactor prototypes. In this work, microfabrication strategies namely the micromachining and casting (soft lithography) with the use poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymers as substrates for fabrications were discussed in details. A step-by-step illustration (including examples on digital prototyping of the microbioreactor by using a computer-aided-design (CAD) software) for the above mentioned micromachining procedures, and discussions on the necessary design considerations were presented as well. In the work, we showed the simplicity of such machining procedures for the fabrication of microbioreactor prototypes. It was confirmed that through micromachining, microbioreactor prototypes can be fabricated by using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymers with high precision (down to one tenth of mm). It was also demonstrated that the processing time for the fabrication of the microbioreactor prototypes was in the order of few hours and maybe days for a complex reactor design.
The Role of Brand in the Malaysian Takaful Industry
Authors: Md Husin Maizaitulaidawati , Ab Rahman Asmak
Published: September 2013

Brand is important to a business including insurance and Islamic insurance (takaful) business. The objective of this article is twofold: to discuss how branding for takaful should differ from the conventional counterparts, and to identify challenges faced by takaful operators in branding their products and services. Findings indicate that takaful operators employ Islamic brand elements in their business to raise their image as well as to allow customers to connect themselves with their emotion, belief, and spiritual needs.
Pengaruh Rakan Sebaya ke atas Tingkah Laku Hedonistik Belia IPT di Malaysia
Authors: Hamzah Siti Raba'ah , Suandi Turiman , Hamzah Azimi , Tamam Ezhar
Published: September 2013

Kajian ini meneliti sejauh mana rakan sebaya mempengaruhi tingkah laku hedonistik belia di institusi pengajan tinggi (IPT) terpilih di Malaysia. Kajian ex post facto ini melibatkan 394 pelajar institut pengajian tinggi di sekitar Lembah Klang. Data telah dikumpul melalui borang soal selidik tadbir sendiri yang telah diadaptasi daripada Armsden dan Greenberg (1987), dan Zimbardo dan Boyd (1999) serta Schwartz (1992) bagi mengukur tahap keakraban dengan rakan sebaya dan tingkah laku hedonistik. Analisis deskriptif dan inferensi dijalankan dengan menggunakan perisian SPSS dan Amos (SEM). Hasil kajian menunjukkan responden (67.0%) mempunyai tahap tingkah laku hedonistik yang sederhana (M = 3.25, SD = 0.56). Kajian juga mendapati bahawa keakraban dengan rakan sebaya mempunyai hubungan positif dan signifikan dengan tingkah laku hedonistik melalui dimensi pengasingan (β = .204, C.R = 2.972, Sig = .003). Seterusnya, hasil kajian menunjukkan dimensi kepercayaan (β = -.034, C.R = -.551, Sig = .582) dan dimensi komunikasi (β = .281, C.R = 1.597, Sig = .751) tidak mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap tingkah laku hedonistik. Hasil kajian mampu memberi sumbangan yang penting dan signifikan ke arah usaha yang lebih strategik bagi membendung penularan tingkah laku hedonistik dan seterusnya memperkasakan sahsiah belia IPT di Malaysia.
Nonparametric Least Squares Mixture Density Estimation
Authors: Chee Chew-Seng
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we consider using nonparametric mixtures for density estimation. The mixture density estimation problem simply reduces to the problem of estimating a mixing distribution in the nonparametric mixture model. We focus on the least squares method for mixture density estimation problem. In a simulation experiment, the performance of the least squares mixture density estimator (MDE) and the kernel density estimator (KDE) is assessed by the mean integrated squared error. The performance improvement of MDE over KDE for some common densities is achieved by using cross-validation method for bandwidth selection.