bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SHORT REVIEW ON USING CRUMB RUBBER AS MODIFICATION OF BITUMEN BINDER
Authors: A. Aziz Md. Maniruzzaman , Altieb Zohair Ahmed , Kassim Khairul Anuar Bin , Jibrin Hauwa Baffa
Published: September 2016

The increasing consumption of waste tire has generated many problems such as increasing landfill space, environmental pollution and causing health hazards. Parallel to this is the increasing of roads construction as a result of heavy traffic on roads. This study reviews to the use of crumb rubber (waste tires in powder form) in bitumen using the wet process. The study focuses on the crumb rubber as a replacement to the total weight of bitumen. The design or life span for all highways and urban roads is 10 – 20 years. Unfortunately, damages or distresses on pavements are still occurring before reaching the maximum period of the designed road serviceability. Among the major influencing factor that is contributing to this distress is the repeated heavy traffic loading on the road surfaces. Moreover, the use of waste crumb rubber in road construction as a pavement surface has a better skid resistance, fatigue crack resistance and increased rut resistance. The review includes physical tests that are used to determine the physical properties of bitumen and modified crumb rubber mix. The physical tests involve penetration test, softening point test and viscosity test. The second stage is rheological tests like rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT), pressure aging vessel (PAV) and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests. The expectations from the study are to develop bitumen with waste crumb rubber that would minimize the costs of bitumen and providing better physical and rheological properties compared to the convention bitumen based on the tests that was conducted. Crumb rubber modifier as improved resistance to rutting due to high viscosity, Improved resistance to surface initiated, reduce fatigue/ reflection cracking, lower pavement maintenance costs, and saving in energy and natural resource.
A REVIEW ON CRACK RELIEF LAYER (CRL) IN ROADS AND HIGHWAYS
Authors: A. Aziz Md Maniruzzaman , Mustafa Khairul Hafiz , Hainin Mohd Rosli , Zaini Ashraf Ahmad , M. Warid M. Naqiuddin
Published: September 2016

Roads and highways are the most important mode of transportation systems for development of a nation. In order to fulfil this purpose, the pavement must be able to provide a safe and comfortable riding surface for the road users. However, pavement deterioration is a major obstacle that can prevent pavement from serving its main purposes. The most common type of pavement deterioration is reflective cracking which occurs when a crack in an overlay layer reflect the pattern of cracks and joints of the old pavement underneath it. Crack relief layer (CRL) is a layer that is placed between the new overlay and the old pavement in order to dissipate pavement movements before they create stress in a new overlay surface. CRL is an open-graded mix that had around 20 to 35% of air void which act as a cushion layer in order to dissipate cracks development in pavement layer. It has low bitumen content that normally around 3% in order for it to act as a semi-unbound layer in order to prevent horizontal and vertical movement of pavement strata. Previous implementation of CRL in airport and runways shows that CRL performance is promising for it to be used in roads and highways in order to overcome pavement distress. Further research is needed in order to ensure CRL implementation in pavements industry.
EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF JATROPHA CURCAS
Authors: Abdullah Mohd Ezree , Ahmad Kabiru Abdullahi , Abdul Hassan Norhidayah , Ambak Kamarudin Bin , Musbah Allam , Usman Nura , Abu Bakar Siti Khadijah Binti
Published: September 2016

The fact that Jatropha curcas oil cannot be used for nutritional purposes without detoxification makes its useful as energy or fuel source, which will improve the domestic economy and provide job opportunities particularly in rural areas, where mechanical pressing is currently the most extensively used process to extract oil from seed. In this context, the main goal of this study is to provide a summary of several studies dealing with the currently employed oil extraction technologies, the physicochemical properties of bio-oils obtained from J. curcas, and the potential uses of Jatropha oil. The aim is to shed light on the main differences among the four types of oil extraction techniques currently employed and to highlight their most appropriate applications. If tapped efficaciously, then these techniques could prove to be extremely helpful in these days of power and environmental crises.
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF PEAT IN OGAN ILIR REGENCY
Authors: Sutejoa Yulindasari , Dewi Ratna , Hastuti Yulia , Rustam Reffanda Kurniawan
Published: September 2016

Seventeen percentages of Sumatra is covered with peat deposits. Some 1.6 million Ha is deposited in the East coast of South Sumatra. More over, 63.503 Ha is found in Ogan Ilir Regency. Laboratory soil tests are performed to determine the engineering properties of the peat. Generally the tests use undisturbed samples obtained with a block sampling from sites in Ogan Ilir Regency, but the physical tests for specific gravity, water content, and ignition loss occasionally employ disturbed samples. The tests for the determination of the engineering characteristics involve shear strength, consolidation, and permeability tests. The test results show that the peat soil in Ogan Ilir can be classified as fibrous peat with degree of decomposition (H4â€“H5 in von Post scale) and fiber content > 20 %. The average natural moisture content of the peat is 441,933 %. The average results of direct shear test showed the effective cohesion (câ€™) and the effective angle of internal friction (ï¦â€™) are 7.62 kPa and 19.930. The average coefficient of rate of consolidation (cv) obtained from Oedometer test ranged from 3.20 from 0.93 for pressure range of 25 to 400 kPa. In general, the results show similar values with the reference data of other peat soils.
EFFECT OF WEATHERING ON DISINTEGRATION AND SHEAR STRENGTH REDUCTION OF CLAY SHALE
Authors: Nazir Ramli , Alatas Idrus M , Kamaruddin Samira A , Irsyam Masyhur
Published: September 2016

Frequent and strong atmosphere and hydrosphere reactions accelerate weathering of clay shale. This study was carried out to determine the effects of frequent natural drying and wetting-drying cycles on clay shales in every 8 days until the value of disintegration ratio, DR reached zero (completely non-durable). Clay shale samples from Semarang-Bawen and Hambalang were tested in the laboratory under four circumstances: (1) without soaking, (2) soaked once in every 8 days, (3) soaked 2 times in every 8 day and (4) soaked 3 times in every 8 days. Disintegration ratio, DR was obtained from the change in grain size distribution of the clay shale due to weathering. Reductions in shear strength of the samples were observed after subjected to wetting-drying cycles. The DR of Semarang-Bawen clay shale reached zero after 32 days, while the DR of Hambalang clay shale showed a range of values between 0.09 and 0.147 on the 80th day. Wetting-drying cycles showed greater impact than natural drying on shear strength parameters reduction. Triaxial tests could only be performed on samples from Semarang-Bawen and Hambalang which were exposed to wetting-drying cycles up to 24 and 32 days of test, respectively beyond which the samples completely disintegrated.
BEARING CAPACITY OF SOFT CLAY INSTALLED WITH SINGULAR AND GROUP OF ENCASED BOTTOM ASH COLUMNS
Authors: Marto Aminaton , Rosly Nur Aidil , Tan Choy Soon , Kasim Fauziah , Mohd Yunus Nor Zurairahetty , Moradi Razieh
Published: September 2016

Due to limited availability of construction site, many constructions are now carried out on site of poor ground condition, including on the soft soils. Vertical stone column technique has proven capable to increase the shear strength of soil and drain out water from the ground, decreasing the settlement of the structure. It is believed that the utilisation of coal ash as alternative material in constructing stone column can contribute to a more sustainable construction environment. This paper aims to investigate the improvement of bearing capacity of soft kaolin after installing with singular and group of encased bottom ash column using physical modelling. The white kaolin S-300 was used to represent the soft clay while bottom ash obtained from Tanjung Bin Power Plant, Johor was used in the construction of the stone column. The presence of bottom ash stone column has significantly increased the bearing capacity of kaolin clay. The increment of the bearing capacity in soft kaolin clay is higher when it is reinforced with group of bottom ash column and when the penetration ratio is larger. The penetration ratio showed more significant influences to the bearing capacity of soft kaolin clay as compared to the number of bottom ash column installed in soft kaolin clay.
MOBILE SCHOOL CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Hashim Ahmad Sobri , Wan Ahmad Wan Fatimah
Published: September 2016

Incorporation of e-learning and mobile web technology in the education produces significant positive impacts to the students. These technologies are able to complement the weaknesses of current practices in teaching and learning. This paper presents Mobile School conceptual model that has been developed for secondary schools in Malaysia. This model is developed by integrating the potential concepts and theories to solve the problems related to teaching and learning in Malaysian secondary schools. Validation of this model has been conducted using questionnaire instrument where the questionnaire has been distributed to 407 respondents including school administrators, teachers, students and parents. The analysis showed that the variables that have been integrated in the model could solve the identified problems. The variables are also important to be implemented in mobile learning (m-learning) system development for secondary schools in Malaysia.
CONSTRUCTING AN ONTOLOGY-BASED AND GRAPH-BASED KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION OF ENGLISH QURAN
Authors: Noordin Mohamad Fauzan , Tengku Sembok Tengku Mohd. , Othman Roslina , Gusmita Ria Hari
Published: September 2016

This paper describes a work in constructing two models of knowledge representation (KR) in aiming to do evaluation of their achievement in contributing to increase performance of retrieving information on English Quran domain. Due to many approaches available to construct a KR in providing data for information retrieval process, there is a need to find out in what model the KR could provide a valuable contribution for retrieving information. We focused on ontology-based KR and graph database-based KR. We use Quranic Arabic corpus that available at http://www.corpus.quran.com as a source to build the KR. We extracted several data from it i.e. English token, token location, and token Part of Speech (POS). Protégé is used to construct the ontology and Neo4j is utilized in developing the graph database. Both KR models will be equipped in developing of an English Quran Question Answering system in order to evaluate their benefit.
PERFORMANCE OF MODIFIED NON-LINEAR SHOOTING METHOD FOR SIMULATION OF 2ND ORDER TWO-POINT BVPS
Authors: Manaf Abdul , Alias Norma , Habib Mustafa
Published: September 2016

In this research article, numerical solution of nonlinear 2nd order two-point boundary value problems (TPBVPs) is discussed by the help of nonlinear shooting method (NLSM), and through the modified nonlinear shooting method (MNLSM). In MNLSM, fourth order Runge-Kutta method for systems is replaced by Adams Bashforth Moulton method which is a predictor-corrector scheme. Results acquired numerically through NLSM and MNLSM of TPBVPs are discussed and analyzed. Results of the tested problems obtained numerically indicate that the performance of MNLSM is rapid and provided desirable results of TPBVPs, meanwhile MNLSM required less time to implement as comparable to the NLSM for the solution of TPBVPs.
THE MECHANICS OF THE PRESENTATION MINING FRAMEWORK
Authors: Kasinathana Vinothini , Azmi Murad Masrah Azrifah , Rahmat Rahmita Wirza , Mansor Evi Indriasari , Mustapha Aida
Published: September 2016

This paper presents the mechanics of a presentation mining system that mines keywords and key phrases from a collection of PowerPoint slides and generates a mind map using the extracted words and phrases. The core of presentation mining lies in two stages; ranking the potential phrases and extracting the keywords and key phrases. The keywords and key phrases form a mind map, which is then evaluated against a domain ontology. The results of recall and precision are also compared between the existing key phrase extraction system called the KP-Miner and the proposed presentation mining system. The key phrase extraction algorithm by the proposed presentation mining system achieved higher recall and precision than KP-Miner, hence producing a more accurate visualization of the PowerPoint slides in the form of mind map.
Selective Laser Melting of Graphene-Reinforced Inconel 718 Superalloy: Evaluation of Microstructure and Tensile Performance
Authors: Wang Yachao , Shi Jing , Lu Shiqiang , Wang Yun
Published: September 2016

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have many outstanding properties, such as high mechanical strengths, light weight, and high electric conductivity. These unique properties make it an ideal reinforcement used for metal matrix composites (MMCs). In the past few years, many studies have been performed to incorporate GNPs into metal matrix and investigate the properties of obtained metal matrix composites. Meanwhile, fabrication of MMCs through laser-assisted additive manufacturing (LAAM) has attracted much attention in recent years due to the advantages of low waste, high precision, short production lead time, and high workpiece complexity capability. In this study, the two attractive features are combined to produce GNPs reinforced MMC using selective laser melting (SLM) process, one of the LAAM processes. The target metal matrix material is Inconel 718, a nickel-based Ni–Cr–Fe austenitic superalloy that possesses excellent workability and mechanical performance, and has wide applications in industries. In the experiment, pure Inconel 718 and GNPs reinforced Inconel 718 composites with two levels of GNPs content (i.e., 0.25 and 1 wt. %) are obtained by SLM. Note that before the SLM process, a novel powder mixture procedure is employed to ensure the even dispersion of GNPs in the Inconel 718 powders. Room temperature tensile tests are conducted to evaluate the tensile properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations are conducted to analyze the fracture surface of materials and to understand the reinforcing mechanism. It is found that fabrication of GNPs reinforced MMC using SLM is a viable approach. The obtained composite possesses dense microstructure and significantly enhanced tensile strength. The ultimate tensile strengths (UTSs) are 997.8, 1296.3, and 1511.6 MPa, and the Young's moduli are 475, 536, and 675 GPa, for 0 wt. % (pure Inconel 718), 0.25 wt. %, and 1 wt. % GNP additions, respectively. The bonding between GNPs and matrix material appears to be strong, and GNPs could be retained during the SLM process. The strengthening effect and mechanisms involved in the composites are discussed. Load transfer, thermal expansion coefficient mismatch, and dislocation hindering are believed to be the three main reinforcing mechanisms involved. It should be noted that more work needs to be conducted in the future to obtain more comprehensive information regarding other static and dynamic properties and the high-temperature performances of the GNP-reinforced MMCs produced by SLM. Process parameter optimization should also be investigated.
Evaluation of Thermo-Active Foundations for Heating and Cooling Residential Buildings
Authors: Kwag Byung Chang , Krarti Moncef
Published: September 2016

The application of thermo-active foundation (TAF) systems to heat and cool residential buildings is evaluated in this paper. First, a transient three-dimensional finite difference numerical model is developed for the analysis of thermo-active foundations. The numerical model predictions are then validated against experimental data obtained from laboratory testing. Using the validated numerical model, G-functions for TAFs are generated and integrated into whole-building simulation analysis program, energyplus. A comparative analysis is carried out to evaluate TAF systems compared to conventional ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs) to provide heating and cooling for multifamily residential buildings. In particular, the analysis compares the cost-effectiveness of TAFs and GSHPs to meet heating and cooling needs for a prototypical multifamily building in three U.S. climates. Due to lower initial costs associated to the reduced excavation costs, it is found that TAFs offer a more cost-effectiveness than GSHP systems to heat and cool multifamily residential buildings.
Modified photoluminescence and photodetection characteristics of chemically grown SnO coated ZnO nanoneedles
Authors: Bayan Sayan , Mishra Sheo K. , Satpati Biswarup , Srivastava Rajneesh K. , Shukla Rajesh Kumar , Chakraborty Purushottam
Published: September 2016

The authors report on the synthesis of tin oxide (SnO) coated zinc oxide (ZnO) needlelike nanostructures and their modified light emission and detection features. The formation of SnO phase on ZnO surface has been revealed from energy dispersive x-ray analysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry studies. The luminescence response of the SnO-coated ZnO nanoneedles gets lowered compared to that of bare ZnO and is assigned to the lowering of radiative emission due to the occurrence of charge-carrier separation. Again in the heterostructured system, due to SnO led surface passivation, the band-edge emission becomes prominent and defect-related emission gets lowered. The photoconductivity response is found to be significantly enhanced for the SnO-ZnO heterostructured material formed with lower Sn:Zn molar ratio. The enhancement of photocurrent has been understood in the light of carrier separation and carrier multiplication processes occurring at the SnO-ZnO heterojunctions.
Concurrent measures of contralateral suppression of transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions and of auditory steady-state responses
Authors: Mertes Ian B. , Leek Marjorie R.
Published: September 2016

Contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) is frequently used to assess the medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent system, and may have clinical utility. However, OAEs are weak or absent in hearing-impaired ears, so little is known about MOC function in the presence of hearing loss. A potential alternative measure is contralateral suppression of the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) because ASSRs are measurable in many hearing-impaired ears. This study compared contralateral suppression of both transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and ASSRs in a group of ten primarily older adults with either normal hearing or mild sensorineural hearing loss. Responses were elicited using 75-dB peak sound pressure level clicks. The MOC was activated using contralateral broadband noise at 60 dB sound pressure level. Measurements were made concurrently to ensure a consistent attentional state between the two measures. The magnitude of contralateral suppression of ASSRs was significantly larger than contralateral suppression of TEOAEs. Both measures usually exhibited high test–retest reliability within a session. However, there was no significant correlation between the magnitude of contralateral suppression of TEOAEs and of ASSRs. Further work is needed to understand the role of the MOC in contralateral suppression of ASSRs.
Developing Leadership Skills in Sport: A Case Study of Elite Cricketers
Authors: Cotterill Stewart
Published: September 2016

Effective leadership in sport at the elite level can make the difference between success and failure. However, although the importance of leadership is acknowledged there is little published evidence regarding how the required skills could or should be developed. The current case study reports the implementation of a leadership development program with elite professional cricketers. The intervention itself was focused at three levels: (a) captaincy development, (b) leadership skill development, and (c) personal growth and leadership development. Program effectiveness was determined through the feedback provided by the individual players on the program, the reflections of the sport psychology consultant, and feedback from the professional staff. Evaluation and reflection of the program suggest that a formal development program can be both beneficial and impactful in enhancing the leadership capabilities of elite players.
Changes in Running Mechanics During a 6-Hour Running Race
Authors: Giovanelli Nicola , Taboga Paolo , Lazzer Stefano
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To investigate changes in running mechanics during a 6-h running race.

Methods:

Twelve ultraendurance runners (age 41.9 ± 5.8 y, body mass 68.3 ± 12.6 kg, height 1.72 ± 0.09 m) were asked to run as many 874-m flat loops as possible in 6 h. Running speed, contact time (tc), and aerial time (ta) were measured in the first lap and every 30 ± 2 min during the race. Peak vertical ground-reaction force (Fmax), stride length (SL), vertical downward displacement of the center of mass (Δz), leg-length change (ΔL), vertical stiffness (kvert), and leg stiffness (kleg) were then estimated.

Results:

Mean distance covered by the athletes during the race was 62.9 ± 7.9 km. Compared with the 1st lap, running speed decreased significantly from 4 h 30 min onward (mean –5.6% ± 0.3%, P < .05), while tc increased after 4 h 30 min of running, reaching the maximum difference after 5 h 30 min (+6.1%, P = .015). Conversely, kvert decreased after 4 h, reaching the lowest value after 5 h 30 min (–6.5%, P = .008); ta and Fmax decreased after 4 h 30 min through to the end of the race (mean –29.2% and –5.1%, respectively, P < .05). Finally, SL decreased significantly (–5.1%, P = .010) during the last hour of the race.

Conclusions:

Most changes occurred after 4 h continuous self-paced running, suggesting a possible time threshold that could affect performance regardless of absolute running speed.
Electromyography Activation of the Lower-Limb Muscles Adopting a Physioball and Elastic Band to Stabilize the Knee Joint During Multiple Sets With Submaximal Loads
Authors: Paz Gabriel Andrade , DeFreitas Jason , de Freitas Maia Marianna , Silva Jurandir , Lima Vicente , Miranda Humberto
Published: September 2016

Study Design:

Crossover design.

Context:

Excessive valgus and varus force which affected the knee joint during dynamic tasks has been often associated to lower extremity injuries. Strategies to increase the resistance against these asymmetries (eg, the use of a physioball between the knees or elastic bands around the knees) are often applied in rehabilitation and conditioning programs.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of performing leg press (LP) 45° using a physioball and elastic band over multiple sets with submaximal loads on electromyographic (EMG) amplitude and fatigue indices.

Methods:

18 trained females volunteered (age: 24.4 ± 2.1 y; height: 168.1 ± 4 cm; body mass: 65.1 ± 4.4 kg) participated in this study. The 10 repetition maximum (RM) loads were determined for the LP. Then, 3 experimental protocols were followed in a randomized crossover design over 3 nonconsecutive days: control protocol—the participants performed 4 LP sets; physioball between knees—4 LP sets were performed with the physioball between the knees; elastic band—4 LP sets were performed with the elastic band involving the knees. Ten repetitions were performed during each set with 70% of 10-RM loads; EMG spectral indices (CRMS and Cf5) was collected from the biceps femoris (BF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), and rectus femoris (RF) muscles.

Results:

Higher levels of CRMS and Cf5 were noted for RF, VL, and VM muscles using the physioball and elastic band when compared with control protocol, respectively. CRMS index of BF muscle was significantly higher using physioball and elastic band protocol versus control condition, respectively.

Conclusion:

Therefore, both physioball and elastic band can be adopted during LP with the goal to reduce excessive varus and valgus forces, respectively, even performing consecutive sets with submaximal loads. Furthermore, this may be an interesting alternative to increasing quadriceps activation and improving the knee joint stabilization.
The Story of Withdrawals During an Ultra-Trail Running Race: A Qualitative Investigation of Runners’ Courses of Experience
Authors: Philippe Roberta Antonini , Rochat Nadège , Vauthier Michaël , Hauw Denis
Published: September 2016

We analyzed the courses of experience of 10 runners who volunteered to describe their experiences of withdrawal during an ultra-trail race. Data collected contained traces of past activities elicited in self-confrontation interviews. Data were coded and compared with identify structures in common sequences. Seven representative sequences were identified: feeling pain; putting meaning to those feelings; adjusting one’s running style; attempting to overcome the problem; other runners’ influences; assessing the situation; and deciding to withdraw. Results showed that disruptive events could cause progressive, cumulative, and varied transformations in runners’ courses of experience that led inevitably to withdrawal. Practical implications for mental preparation and race management are proposed.
Arc/Arg3.1 governs inflammatory dendritic cell migration from the skin and thereby controls T cell activation
Authors: Ufer Friederike , Vargas Pablo , Engler Jan Broder , Tintelnot Joseph , Schattling Benjamin , Winkler Hana , Bauer Simone , Kursawe Nina , Willing Anne , Keminer Oliver , Ohana Ora , Salinas-Riester Gabriela , Pless Ole , Kuhl Dietmar , Friese Manuel A.
Published: September 2016

Arc/Arg3.1 accelerates DC migration by coordinating cytoskeletal changes in response to inflammatory challenges.
De novoPropionibacterium acnesseptic arthritis
Authors: Crowhurst Thomas , Tieu Joanna , Fowler Shaun , Burnet Simon
Published: September 2016

We report the third identifiable case of septic arthritis due toPropionibacterium acnesarising in the absence of prior surgical intervention. This anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus is now recognised as an important cause of postoperative infections, typically presenting in an indolent fashion some months after surgery. Reports of de novo septic arthritis due toP. acnesare exceedingly rare. Our case adds to the literature and significantly broadens the reported pathogenic potential of the organism, which in this instance has caused rapid and serious joint destruction.
Wild blueberry consumption attenuates local inflammation in the perivascular adipose tissue of obese Zucker rats
Authors: Vendrame Stefano , Tsakiroglou Panagiotis , Kristo Aleksandra S. , Schuschke Dale A. , Klimis-Zacas Dorothy
Published: September 2016

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown to play important roles in regulating vascular tone and linking local and systemic vascular inflammation. We examined the impact of PVAT on phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction in the aorta of obese Zucker rats (OZR) and their lean littermates (LZR) by comparing aortic rings with or without PVAT. Subsequently we placed OZR and LZR on a control (C) or an 8% wild blueberry (WB) diet and evaluated the effect of WB consumption on such response. PVAT-released adipokine concentrations were also measured as a function of WB diet. Maximal constrictor force (Fmax) in aortic rings without PVAT was significantly lower in OZR-C compared with LZR-C (0.41 ± 0.05 and 0.71 ± 0.06 g, respectively). Following WB diet, Fmax significantly increased in OZR (0.54 ± 0.06 g). In aortas with intact PVAT, Fmax was significantly lower in all groups (0.31 ± 0.06 OZR-C, 0.30 ± 0.05 OZR-WB, 0.29 ± 0.03 LZR-C, and 0.30 ± 0.04 g LZR-WB), but no difference was observed between treatments. PVAT concentrations of monocyte chemoactractant protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and adiponectin were significantly higher in OZR compared with LZR (+102%, +108%, and +45%, respectively). Following WB diet, PVAT concentrations of interleukin-8 were significantly lower in both OZR (–37%) and LZR (–30%), while adiponectin concentrations significantly increased in both OZR (+11%) and LZR (+16%). MCP-1 concentrations significantly decreased (–31%) in the PVAT of OZR with the WB diet. WB consumption appears to attenuate local inflammation in PVAT, which may impact systemic vascular inflammation and endothelial function.
Analytical study of holographic superconductors with exponential nonlinear electrodynamics
Authors: Sheykhi A. , Shaker F.
Published: September 2016

Based on the Sturm–Liouville eigenvalue problem, we analytically study several properties of holographic s-wave superconductors with exponential nonlinear (EN) electrodynamics in the background of Schwarzschild anti-de Sitter black holes. We assume the probe limit in which the scalar and gauge fields do not back react on the background metric. We show that for this system, one can still obtain an analytical relation between the critical temperature and the charge density. Interestingly enough, we find that EN electrodynamics decreases the critical temperature, Tc, of the holographic superconductors compared to the linear Maxwell field. This implies that the nonlinear electrodynamics make the condensation harder. The analytical results obtained in this paper are in good agreement with the existing numerical results. We also compute the critical exponent near the critical temperature and find out that it is still 1/2, which seems to be a universal value in mean field theory.
Noether symmetries and duality transformations in cosmology
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: September 2016

We discuss the relation between Noether (point) symmetries and discrete symmetries for a class of minisuperspace cosmological models. We show that when a Noether symmetry exists for the gravitational Lagrangian, then there exists a coordinate system in which a reversal symmetry exists. Moreover, as far as concerns, the scale-factor duality symmetry of the dilaton field, we show that it is related to the existence of a Noether symmetry for the field equations, and the reversal symmetry in the normal coordinates of the symmetry vector becomes scale-factor duality symmetry in the original coordinates. In particular, the same point symmetry as also the same reversal symmetry exists for the Brans–Dicke scalar field with linear potential while now the discrete symmetry in the original coordinates of the system depends on the Brans–Dicke parameter and it is a scale-factor duality when [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, in the context of the O’Hanlon theory for f(R)-gravity, it is possible to show how a duality transformation in the minisuperspace can be used to relate different gravitational models.
On the projective comaximal graphs of lattices
Authors: Parsapour A. , Ahmad Javaheri KH.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we investigate the projectivity of the comaximal graph of a finite lattice.
The Dragon's Goodwill: Examining China's External Finance and African Leaders' Preferentialism
Authors: Omoruyi Ehizuelen Michael Mitchell
Published: September 2016

This paper has been retracted. Please contact jicep@wspc.com
Global Experiences of Special Economic Zones with Focus on China and Africa: Policy Insights
Authors: Zeng Douglas Zhihua
Published: September 2016

This paper briefly summarizes the development experiences of special economic zones (SEZs) in China and Africa (especially the Sub-Saharan Africa), the lessons that Africa can learn from China, and the preliminary results of the Chinese investments in SEZs in Africa. The study makes recommendations on how to unleash the power of SEZs and industrial parks in Africa through strategically leveraging the Chinese experiences. While the Chinese experiences with SEZs and industrial parks are generally successful, Africa's experience has been relatively poor. Moving forward, they can greatly benefit from the Chinese experiences, especially the Chinese zones in Africa.
Business Process and Information Security: A Cross-Listing Perspective
Authors: Chen Yong , Dong Feng , Chen Hong
Published: September 2016

Sensitive data are often handled in business processes. As an important component of industry systems, information system (IS) plays a vital role in business processes. However, data and information may leak in business processes. The damages caused by information security breaches (ISBs) on firms are increasing in recent years. Previous studies have consistently found that the announcements of ISBs are negatively associated with the market values of the announcing firms during the days surrounding the breach announcements. Globalization drives firms in diverse industries to cross-list their stocks. With the benefits of cross-listing, firms are able to perform entrepreneurship and industry integration is improved as well. Because cross-listing improves information environments and provides better investor protection, this paper argues that cross-listing help firms to reduce the negative impacts caused by their announcements of ISBs. From the perspective of ISs engineering, this paper conducts an event study of 120 publicly traded firms and finds that cross-listing does not mitigate the impact of ISB announcements on a firm’s stock prices.
Resin Bonding of Self-Etch Adhesives to Bovine Dentin Bleached from Pulp Chamber
Authors: Haruyama Akiko , Kameyama Atsushi , Kato Junji , Takemoto Shinji , Oda Yutaka , Kawada Eiji , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Furusawa Masahiro
Published: September 2016

This study evaluated the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of 1-step self-etch adhesives (1-SEAs) and 2-step self-etch adhesives (2-SEAs) to pulp chamber dentin immediately after bleaching with 2 types of common bleaching techniques. Pulp chamber dentin of bovine teeth was bleached using 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution with quartz-tungsten-halogen light-curing unit (Group 1) and 3.5% H2O2-containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) (Pyrenees®) activated with 405-nm violet diode laser for 15 min (Group 2). Unbleached specimens were placed in distilled water for 15 min and used as controls. After treatment, dentin was bonded with resin composite using 1-SEA or 2-SEA and stored in water at 37°C for 24 h. Each specimen was sectioned and trimmed to an hourglass-shape andμTBS was measured. Fractured specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope to determine fracture modes. All specimens in Group 1 failed before proper bonding tests. In Group 2, theμTBS of 2-SEA was significantly greater (with no failed specimens) than 1-SEA (where 21 out of 36 failed). These results indicate that 2-SEA is a better adhesive system than 1-SEA on bleached dentin. Our results also demonstrated that application of H2O2significantly decreases bond strength of resin to dentin; however, in the case of nonvital tooth bleaching, Pyrenees® is a better alternative to the conventional 30% H2O2bleaching.
Sugar Sweetened Beverage Consumption among Primary School Students: Influence of the Schools’ Vicinity
Authors: Lebel Alexandre , Morin Pascale , Robitaille Éric , Lalonde Benoit , Florina Fratu Ramona , Bisset Sherri
Published: September 2016

The purpose of the research was to explore the associations between the characteristics of schools’ vicinity and the risk of sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption in elementary students. Findings exposed an important variation in student’s SSB consumption between schools. Schools with a lower socioeconomic status or in a densely built environment tend to have higher proportion of regular SSB drinkers. These characteristics of the school’s vicinity partly explained the variation observed between them. We estimated that a student moving to a school with a higher proportion of SSB drinkers may increase his/her chances by 52% of becoming a daily consumer. Important changes in dietary preferences can occur when children are in contact with a new social environment. Findings also support the idea that dietary behaviors among children result from the complex interactions between biological, social, and environmental factors.
An Ash1-Like Protein MoKMT2H Null Mutant Is Delayed for Conidium Germination and Pathogenesis inMagnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Cao Zhaojun , Yin Yue , Sun Xuan , Han Jun , Sun Qing peng , Lu Min , Pan Jinbao , Wang Weixiang
Published: September 2016

Ash1 is a known H3K36-specific histone demethylase that is required for normal Hox gene expression and fertility inDrosophilaand mammals. However, little is known about the expression and function of the fungal ortholog of Ash1 in phytopathogenic fungusMagnaporthe oryzae. Here we report that MoKMT2H, an Ash1-like protein, is required for conidium germination and virulence in rice. We obtainedMoKMT2Hnull mutant (ΔMoKMT2H) using a target gene replacement strategy. In theΔMoKMT2Hnull mutants, global histone methyltransferase modifications (H3K4me3, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and H3K36me2/3) of the genome were unaffected. TheΔMoKMT2Hmutants showed no defect in vegetative hyphal growth, conidium morphology, conidiation, or disease lesion formation on rice leaves. However, theMoKMT2Hdeletion mutants were delayed for conidium germination and consequently had decreased virulence. Taken together, our results indicated that MoKMT2H plays an important role in conidium germination during appressorium formation in the rice blast fungus and perhaps other pathogenic plant fungi.
Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy in Acute Stroke: Do Rural Patients Receive Less Therapy?
Authors: Merchant Josie , Kitsos Gemma , Ashby Samantha , Kitsos Alex , Hubbard Isobel J.
Published: September 2016

Objective. To assess whether acute stroke patients in rural hospitals receive less occupational therapy and physiotherapy than those in metropolitan hospitals.Design. Retrospective case-control study of health data in patients ≤10 days after stroke.Setting. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy services in four rural hospitals and one metropolitan hospital.Participants. Acute stroke patients admitted in one health district.Main Outcome Measures. Frequency and duration of face-to-face and indirect therapy sessions.Results. Rural hospitals admitted 363 patients and metropolitan hospital admitted 378 patients. Mean age was 73 years. Those in rural hospitals received more face-to-face (p>0.0014) and indirect (p=0.001) occupational therapy when compared to those in the metropolitan hospital. Face-to-face sessions lasted longer (p=0.001). Patients admitted to the metropolitan hospital received more face-to-face (p>0.000) and indirect (p>0.000) physiotherapy when compared to those admitted to rural hospitals. Face-to-face sessions were shorter (p>0.000). Almost all were seen within 24 hours of referral.Conclusions. Acute stroke patients in Australian rural hospital may receive more occupational therapy and less physiotherapy than those in metropolitan hospitals. The dose of therapy was lower than recommended, and the referral process may unnecessarily delay the time from admission to a patient’s first therapy session.
Optimal Reinsurance Design for Pareto Optimum: From the Perspective of Multiple Reinsurers
Authors: Rong Xing , Zhu Yunzhou
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates optimal reinsurance strategies for an insurer which cedes the insured risk to multiple reinsurers. Assume that the insurer and every reinsurer apply the coherent risk measures. Then, we find out the necessary and sufficient conditions for the reinsurance market to achieve Pareto optimum; that is, every ceded-loss function and the retention function are in the form of “multiple layers reinsurance.”
Bronchial Leech Infestation in a 15-Year-Old Female
Authors: Moslehi Mohammad Ashkan , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Adib Ali
Published: September 2016

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common incidence in young children. Leeches are rarely reported as FBA at any age. This study describes a 15-year-old female who presented with hemoptysis, hematemesis, coughs, melena, and anemia seven months prior to admission. Chest X-ray showed a round hyperdensity in the right lower lobe. A chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an area of consolidation and surrounding ground glass opacities in the right lower lobe. Hematological investigations revealed anemia. Finally, bronchoscopy was performed and a 5 cm leech was found within the rightB7-8bronchus and removed by forceps and a Dormia basket.
Fault Diagnosis of a Hydraulic Pump Based on the CEEMD-STFT Time-Frequency Entropy Method and Multiclass SVM Classifier
Authors: Zhao Wanlin , Wang Zili , Ma Jian , Li Lianfeng
Published: September 2016

The fault diagnosis of hydraulic pumps is currently important and significant to ensure the normal operation of the entire hydraulic system. Considering the nonlinear characteristics of hydraulic-pump vibration signals and the mode mixing problem of the original Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method, first, we use the Complete Ensemble EMD (CEEMD) method to decompose the signals. Second, the time-frequency analysis methods, which include the Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) and time-frequency entropy calculation, are applied to realize the robust feature extraction. Third, the multiclass Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is introduced to automatically classify the fault mode in this paper. An actual hydraulic-pump experiment demonstrates the procedure with a complete feature extraction and accurate mode classification.
Modulation Transfer Function of a Gaussian Beam Based on the Generalized Modified Atmospheric Spectrum
Authors: Gao Chao , Li Xiaofeng
Published: September 2016

This paper investigates the modulation transfer function of a Gaussian beam propagating through a horizontal path in weak-fluctuation non-Kolmogorov turbulence. Mathematical expressions are obtained based on the generalized modified atmospheric spectrum, which includes the spectral power law value of non-Kolmogorov turbulence, the finite inner and outer scales of turbulence, and other optical parameters of the Gaussian beam. The numerical results indicate that the atmospheric turbulence would produce less negative effects on the wireless optical communication system with an increase in the inner scale of turbulence. Additionally, the increased outer scale of turbulence makes a Gaussian beam influenced more seriously by the atmospheric turbulence.
A Rare Case of Amyloidosis of the Eyelid and Conjunctiva
Authors: Ali Zaria , Fernando Bertie
Published: September 2016

Amyloidosis of the eyelid is uncommon and is typically associated with systemic associations. In contrast, amyloidosis of the conjunctiva is often localised with no other associations. We present a rare case of a 92-year-old gentleman with both cutaneous lid lesions and conjunctival amyloid with no systemic involvement. Biopsy demonstrated the hallmarks of amyloid and treatment has remained conservative. He remains at the department to be monitored for secondary glaucoma.
Research on Mechanical Fault Diagnosis Scheme Based on Improved Wavelet Total Variation Denoising
Authors: He Wentao , Yi Cancan , Li Yourong , Xiao Han
Published: September 2016

Wavelet analysis is a powerful tool for signal processing and mechanical equipment fault diagnosis due to the advantages of multiresolution analysis and excellent local characteristics in time-frequency domain. Wavelet total variation (WATV) was recently developed based on the traditional wavelet analysis method, which combines the advantages of wavelet-domain sparsity and total variation (TV) regularization. In order to guarantee the sparsity and the convexity of the total objective function, nonconvex penalty function is chosen as a new wavelet penalty function in WATV. The actual noise reduction effect of WATV method largely depends on the estimation of the noise signal variance. In this paper, an improved wavelet total variation (IWATV) denoising method was introduced. The local variance analysis on wavelet coefficients obtained from the wavelet decomposition of noisy signals is employed to estimate the noise variance so as to provide a scientific evaluation index. Through the analysis of the numerical simulation signal and real-word failure data, the results demonstrated that the IWATV method has obvious advantages over the traditional wavelet threshold denoising and total variation denoising method in the mechanical fault diagnose.
Bilateral Renal Denervation Ameliorates Isoproterenol‐Induced Heart Failure through Downregulation of the Brain Renin‐Angiotensin System and Inflammation in Rat
Authors: Li Jian-Dong , Cheng Ai-Yuan , Huo Yan-Li , Fan Jie , Zhang Yu-Ping , Fang Zhi-Qin , Sun Hong-Sheng , Peng Wei , Zhang Jin-Shun , Wang Hai-Ping , Xue Bao-Jian
Published: September 2016

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by cardiac dysfunction along with autonomic unbalance that is associated with increased renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) activity and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines (PICs). Renal denervation (RD) has been shown to improve cardiac function in HF, but the protective mechanisms remain unclear. The present study tested the hypothesis that RD ameliorates isoproterenol‐ (ISO‐) induced HF through regulation of brain RAS and PICs. Chronic ISO infusion resulted in remarked decrease in blood pressure (BP) and increase in heart rate and cardiac dysfunction, which was accompanied by increased BP variability and decreased baroreflex sensitivity and HR variability. Most of these adverse effects of ISO on cardiac and autonomic function were reversed by RD. Furthermore, ISO upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of several components of the RAS and PICs in the lamina terminalis and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, two forebrain nuclei involved in cardiovascular regulations. RD significantly inhibited the upregulation of these genes. Either intracerebroventricular AT1‐R antagonist, irbesartan, or TNF‐α inhibitor, etanercept, mimicked the beneficial actions of RD in the ISO‐induced HF. The results suggest that the RD restores autonomic balance and ameliorates ISO‐induced HF and that the downregulated RAS and PICs in the brain contribute to these beneficial effects of RD.
Drag Reduction and Performance Improvement of Hydraulic Torque Converters with Multiple Biological Characteristics
Authors: Chunbao Liu , Li Li , Yulong Lei , Changsuo Liu , Yubo Zhang
Published: September 2016

Fish-like, dolphin-like, and bionic nonsmooth surfaces were employed in a hydraulic torque converter to achieve drag reduction and performance improvement, which were aimed at reducing profile loss, impacting loss and friction loss, respectively. YJSW335, a twin turbine torque converter, was bionically designed delicately. The biological characteristics consisted of fish-like blades in all four wheels, dolphin-like structure in the first turbine and the stator, and nonsmooth surfaces in the pump. The prediction performance of bionic YJSW335, obtained by computational fluid dynamics simulation, was improved compared with that of the original model, and then it could be proved that drag reduction had been achieved. The mechanism accounting for drag reduction of three factors was also investigated. After bionic design, the torque ratio and the highest efficiencies of YJSW335 were both advanced, which were very difficult to achieve through traditional design method. Moreover, the highest efficiency of the low speed area and high speed area is 85.65% and 86.32%, respectively. By economic matching analysis of the original and bionic powertrains, the latter can significantly reduce the fuel consumption and improve the operating economy of the loader.