bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Manipulation of Food Accessibility Affects Conflict Management Behaviour in Ravens
Authors: Sima Miriam Jennifer , Pika Simone , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: January 2016

Conflict management strategies such as reconciliation and bystander affiliation have been described for a variety of species. A common determinant seems to be a ‘complex’ social life, with individuals relying on affiliate relationships or social bonds. Little is known, however, about the strategic and flexible use of conflict management skills in experimental settings in species other than primates. We here investigated conflict and post‐conflict behaviour of ravens by manipulating the accessibility of food and, thus, the likelihood of aggressive interactions while foraging. Specifically, we presented birds with a certain amount of highly preferred food that varied in the number of pieces (one piece, two pieces or, as a control, small pieces matching the number of participating birds) and observed their agonistic behaviour during feeding and their affiliative behaviour afterwards. The results showed that high levels of conflicts during feeding in the 1‐piece and 2‐piece conditions led to high levels of affiliation after feeding. Depending on the experimental condition, this effect is best explained (a) by the affiliative behaviour of former aggressors (1‐piece condition) and (b) by the affiliation directed to the receivers of aggression after feeding (2‐piece condition). Those dyads that engaged in allo‐preening after feeding also engaged in allo‐preening outside the experimental setting, suggesting that socially bonded individuals provided third‐party affiliation to victims of aggression. Moreover, socially bonded ravens fed close to each other in the experiment when food was clumped, indicating that they actively coordinated their behaviour when there was a high conflict potential. Taken together, these findings support the assumption that ravens use their social bonds to avoid conflicts by choosing with whom to feed, and to buffer effects of conflicts by engaging in third‐party affiliation as post‐conflict behaviour.
Low Ability of Great Tits to Discriminate Similarly Inconspicuous Edible and Inedible Prey
Authors: Karlíková Zuzana , Veselý Petr , Beránková Jana , Fuchs Roman
Published: January 2016

Numerous studies have shown warning coloration to facilitate the discrimination of edible and inedible prey. However, inedible insect species may possess cryptic coloration as well. It has been shown that some other visual features (especially characteristic body shape) are sufficient for the recognition of some insect taxa (e.g. ladybirds, ants, wasps). We tested the ability of wild‐caught great tits (Parus major) to discriminate between the identically coloured edible (roach – Blaptica dubia) and the inedible (firebug – Pyrrhocoris apterus) as prey according to subtle peripheral visual traits (shape of legs and antennae, body posture, and means of locomotion). Both prey species were offered either simultaneously or alternately. The ability of the birds to learn was tested by means of fourteen trial repetitions in two sessions. In general, great tits were not able to learn to discriminate between firebugs and roaches by subtle shape cues alone during the two sessions. However, multivariate analysis of individual bird behaviour showed that they adopted one of three different attitudes to the presented prey. Most of the birds never attacked any or always attacked both prey. In addition, a small proportion of the birds was able to discriminate between the two prey types and attacked only roaches. Nevertheless, firebugs survived most of the attacks, which suggests that in case of chemically protected prey, the evolution of conspicuous coloration is not always the best/only option.
Soil carbon sequestration and biochar as negative emission technologies
Authors: Smith Pete
Published: January 2016

Despite 20 years of effort to curb emissions, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions grew faster during the 2000s than in the 1990s, which presents a major challenge for meeting the international goal of limiting warming to <2 °C relative to the preindustrial era. Most recent scenarios from integrated assessment models require large‐scale deployment of negative emissions technologies (NETs) to reach the 2 °C target. A recent analysis of NETs, including direct air capture, enhanced weathering, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage and afforestation/deforestation, showed that all NETs have significant limits to implementation, including economic cost, energy requirements, land use, and water use. In this paper, I assess the potential for negative emissions from soil carbon sequestration and biochar addition to land, and also the potential global impacts on land use, water, nutrients, albedo, energy and cost. Results indicate that soil carbon sequestration and biochar have useful negative emission potential (each 0.7 GtCeq. yr−1) and that they potentially have lower impact on land, water use, nutrients, albedo, energy requirement and cost, so have fewer disadvantages than many NETs. Limitations of soil carbon sequestration as a NET centre around issues of sink saturation and reversibility. Biochar could be implemented in combination with bioenergy with carbon capture and storage. Current integrated assessment models do not represent soil carbon sequestration or biochar. Given the negative emission potential of SCS and biochar and their potential advantages compared to other NETs, efforts should be made to include these options within IAMs, so that their potential can be explored further in comparison with other NETs for climate stabilization.
Morphological and dietary responses of chipmunks to a century of climate change
Authors: Walsh Rachel E. , Aprígio Assis Ana Paula , Patton James L. , Marroig Gabriel , Dawson Todd E. , Lacey Eileen A.
Published: January 2016

Predicting how individual taxa will respond to climatic change is challenging, in part because the impacts of environmental conditions can vary markedly, even among closely related species. Studies of chipmunks (Tamiasspp.) in Yosemite National Park provide an important opportunity to explore the reasons for this variation in response. While the alpine chipmunk (T. alpinus) has undergone a significant elevational range contraction over the past century, the congeneric and partially sympatric lodgepole chipmunk (T. speciosus) has not experienced an elevational range shift during this period. As a first step toward identifying the factors underlying this difference in response, we examined evidence for dietary changes and changes in cranial morphology in these species over the past century. Stable isotope analyses of fur samples from modern and historical museum specimens of these species collected at the same localities indicated that signatures of dietary change were more pronounced inT. alpinus, although diet breadth did not differ consistently between the study species. Morphometric analyses of crania from these specimens revealed significant changes in cranial shape forT. alpinus, with less pronounced changes in shape forT. speciosus; evidence of selection on skull morphology was detected forT. alpinus,but not forT. speciosus. These results are consistent with growing evidence thatT. alpinusis generally more responsive to environmental change thanT. speciosus,but emphasize the complex and often geographically variable nature of such responses. Accordingly, future studies that make use of the taxonomically and spatially integrative approach employed here may prove particularly informative regarding relationships between environmental conditions, range changes, and patterns of phenotypic variation.
Synergies and trade‐offs between renewable energy expansion and biodiversity conservation – a cross‐national multifactor analysis
Authors: Santangeli Andrea , Di Minin Enrico , Toivonen Tuuli , Pogson Mark , Hastings Astley , Smith Pete , Moilanen Atte
Published: January 2016

Increased deployment of renewable energy can contribute towards mitigating climate change and improving air quality, wealth and development. However, renewable energy technologies are not free of environmental impacts; thus, it is important to identify opportunities and potential threats from the expansion of renewable energy deployment. Currently, there is no cross‐national comprehensive analysis linking renewable energy potential simultaneously to socio‐economic and political factors and biodiversity priority locations. Here, we quantify the relationship between the fraction of land‐based renewable energy (including solar photovoltaic, wind and bioenergy) potential available outside the top biodiversity areas (i.e. outside the highest ranked 30% priority areas for biodiversity conservation) within each country, with selected socio‐economic and geopolitical factors as well as biodiversity assets. We do so for two scenarios that identify priority areas for biodiversity conservation alternatively in a globally coordinated manner vs. separately for individual countries. We show that very different opportunities and challenges emerge if the priority areas for biodiversity protection are identified globally or designated nationally. In the former scenario, potential for solar, wind and bioenergy outside the top biodiversity areas is highest in developing countries, in sparsely populated countries and in countries of low biodiversity potential but with high air pollution mortality. Conversely, when priority areas for biodiversity protection are designated nationally, renewable energy potential outside the top biodiversity areas is highest in countries with good governance but also in countries with high biodiversity potential and population density. Overall, these results identify both clear opportunities but also risks that should be considered carefully when making decisions about renewable energy policies.
Electric Current as a Driving Force for Interphase Growth in Spark Plasma Sintered Dielectric Composites
Authors: Albino Marjorie , Chung U‐Chan , Kassas Ahmad , Lesseur Julien , Bernard Dominique , Elissalde Catherine , Maglione Mario
Published: January 2016

All‐oxide composites are increasingly investigated in the field of microelectronics and telecommunications because of their multifunctionalities. Advanced control of interfaces is required to fully tune the macroscopic properties of the composites. Processing ferroelectric Ba0.65Sr0.35TiO3 (BST65/35)‐TiO2 composites by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), we show that the SPS electric current promotes an interphase growth whose thickness depends on the BST/TiO2 stacking and on the current direction. In all cases, the interface is composed of Ba1.14(2) Ti8O16‐δ a highly defective, but stable phase which can be used to tune the overall dielectric properties of the composites.
Developing nursing leadership in social media
Authors: Moorley Calvin , Chinn Teresa
Published: January 2016

Aim

A discussion on how nurse leaders are using social media and developing digital leadership in online communities.

Background

Social media is relatively new and how it is used by nurse leaders and nurses in a digital space is under explored.

Design

Discussion paper.

Data sources

Searches used CINAHL, the Royal College of Nursing webpages, Wordpress (for blogs) and Twitter from 2000–2015. Search terms used were Nursing leadership + Nursing social media.

Implications for nursing

Understanding the development and value of nursing leadership in social media is important for nurses in formal and informal (online) leadership positions. Nurses in formal leadership roles in organizations such as the National Health Service are beginning to leverage social media. Social media has the potential to become a tool for modern nurse leadership, as it is a space where can you listen on a micro level to each individual. In addition to listening, leadership can be achieved on a much larger scale through the use of social media monitoring tools and exploration of data and crowd sourcing. Through the use of data and social media listening tools nursing leaders can seek understanding and insight into a variety of issues. Social media also places nurse leaders in a visible and accessible position as role models.

Conclusion

Social media and formal nursing leadership do not have to be against each other, but they can work in harmony as both formal and online leadership possess skills that are transferable. If used wisely social media has the potential to become a tool for modern nurse leadership.
Development of competence in the first year of graduate nursing practice: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lima Sally , Newall Fiona , Jordan Helen L. , Hamilton Bridget , Kinney Sharon
Published: January 2016

Aim

To determine the extent to which competence develops in the first year of nursing practice in a paediatric setting.

Background

Among all the literature related to nursing competence, there have been few studies that have used a standardized tool to determine the development of professional nursing competence in the first year of practice.

Design

A quantitative longitudinal design was applied as part of a mixed methods study.

Methods

Forty seven nurses commencing a 12‐month graduate nurse programme were invited to undertake a self‐assessment of their level of competence at four time points; commencement, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, between January 2013–February 2014. The assessment was completed using the Nurse Competence Scale; a questionnaire with 73 items across seven domains of competence. Each item is scored along a visual analogue scale (0‐100). Response rates varied from 100% at commencement to 68% at 12 months.

Results

At commencement, the self‐assessed level of overall competence was 41·4, 61·1 at 3 months, 72·9 at 6 months and 76·7 at 12 months. Similar patterns were seen for each domain. Mixed effects model analysis for longitudinal data revealed gains in competence for each of the domains and overall, was statistically significant from commencement to 3 months and 3 months to 6 months. While gains were made between 6‐12 months, the results were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Graduate nurses showed significant gains in competence in the first 6 months of transition from nursing students to Registered Nurses.
Perceptions matter: faculty caring, campus racial climate and academic performance
Authors: Torregosa Marivic B. , Ynalvez Marcus Antonius , Morin Karen H.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Examine the influence of students’ perception of faculty caring on academic performance and the moderating role of students’ perceptions of campus racial climate.

Background

There is limited knowledge on how students’ perceptions of faculty caring, campus racial climate and academic performance are linked. Understanding this nexus is crucial to improving nursing education.

Design

Secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional data obtained from seven undergraduate nursing programs in Texas, USA.

Method

Data were from 385 students enrolled in Medical‐Surgical 1 over three semesters (March 2010 ‐ December 2010). Six sets of factor analytic scores derived from 31 original perceptions of faculty caring items served as predictors; one set of scores derived from seven original perceptions of campus racial climate items served as moderating variable in a regression model. Numeric grade was the outcome variable.

Results/findings

Perception of faculty having a positive outlook/compassion had an enhancing effect on performance. As students’ perceptions of campus racial climate became increasingly discriminating, the positive association between perceptions of faculty's trust in students’ judgment and academic performance became increasingly strong.

Conclusion

Results highlight ways by which students’ perception of micro‐level social reality (dyadic interaction) might interact with their perception of meso‐level social reality (social environment) to influence their academic performance.
Integrative review: postcraniotomy pain in the brain tumour patient
Authors: Guilkey Rebecca Elizabeth , Von Ah Diane , Carpenter Janet S. , Stone Cynthia , Draucker Claire B.
Published: January 2016

Aim

To conduct an integrative review to examine evidence of pain and associated symptoms in adult (≥21 years of age), postcraniotomy, brain tumour patients hospitalized on intensive care units.

Background

Healthcare providers believe craniotomies are less painful than other surgical procedures. Understanding how postcraniotomy pain unfolds over time will help inform patient care and aid in future research and policy development.

Design

Systematic literature search to identify relevant literature. Information abstracted using the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms’ concepts of influencing factors, symptom clusters and patient performance. Inclusion criteria were indexed, peer‐reviewed, full‐length, English‐language articles. Keywords were ‘traumatic brain injury’, ‘pain, post‐operative’, ‘brain injuries’, ‘postoperative pain’, ‘craniotomy’, ‘decompressive craniectomy’ and ‘trephining’.

Data sources

Medline, OVID, PubMed and CINAHL databases from 2000–2014.

Review method

Cooper's five‐stage integrative review method was used to assess and synthesize literature.

Results

The search yielded 115 manuscripts, with 26 meeting inclusion criteria. Most studies were randomized, controlled trials conducted outside of the United States. All tested pharmacological pain interventions. Postcraniotomy brain tumour pain was well‐documented and associated with nausea, vomiting and changes in blood pressure, and it impacted the patient's length of hospital stay, but there was no consensus for how best to treat such pain.

Conclusion

The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms provided structure to the search. Postcraniotomy pain is experienced by patients, but associated symptoms and impact on patient performance remain poorly understood. Further research is needed to improve understanding and management of postcraniotomy pain in this population.
A combined coalescence gene‐dropping tool for evaluating genomic selection in complex scenarios (ms2gs)
Authors: Pérez‐Enciso M. , Legarra A.
Published: January 2016

We present ms2gs, a combined coalescence – gene dropping (i.e. backward–forward) simulator for complex traits. It therefore aims at combining the advantages of both approaches. It is primarily conceived for very short term, recent scenarios such as those that are of interest in animal and plant breeding. It is very flexible in terms of defining QTL architecture and SNP ascertainment bias, and it allows for easy modelling of alternative markers such as RADs. It can use real sequence or chip data or generate molecular polymorphisms via the coalescence. It can generate QTL conditional on extant molecular information, such as low‐density genotyping. It models (simplistically) sequence, imputation or genotyping errors. It requires as input both genotypic data in plink or ms formats, and a pedigree that is used to perform the gene dropping. By default, it compares accuracy for BLUP, SNP ascertained data, sequence, and causal SNPs. It employs VanRaden's linear (GBLUP) and nonlinear method for incorporating molecular information. To illustrate the program, we present a small application in a half‐sib population and a multiparental (MAGIC) cross. The program, manual and examples are available at https://github.com/mperezenciso/ms2gs.
Did a Miocene–Pliocene island isolation sequence structure diversification of funnel web spiders in the Taiwan‐Ryukyu Archipelago?
Authors: Su Yong‐Chao , Brown Rafe M. , Chang Yung‐Hau , Lin Chung‐Ping , Tso I‐Min
Published: January 2016

Aim

We tested the competing hypotheses concerning the relative importance of Pleistocene versus Miocene–Pliocene geological events for the formation of endemism in an Asian archipelago using the Macrothele taiwanensis (Hexathelidae) species group.

Location

Taiwan‐Ryukyu Archipelago.

Methods

We estimated phylogenetic trees from cytochrome oxidase I subunit (COI) and 16S rRNA (16S) gene regions and employed Bayesian ancestral range reconstructions to investigate previously debated models of lineage diversification in the Taiwan‐Ryukyu Archipelago. To evaluate alternative geological timeframes for their importance in shaping the genetic structure of funnel web spiders, we used five time calibration schemes to estimate timing of divergence, infer ancestral distributions, and to reconstruct historical demographic changes in each lineage. We tested taxonomic boundaries with two species delimitation procedures.

Results

Our results indicate a north‐to‐south isolation sequence of the M. taiwanensis group: the Amami lineage diverged first, then Yaeyama, and finally the Taiwanese lineages. Divergence time estimation and population demographic change analyses indicate that Pleistocene climate fluctuations minimally impacted the genetic structure of these spiders. Instead, estimated divergence events correspond to Miocene–Pliocene geological events, strongly supporting a much older timeframe for diversification. The results of species delimitation analyses coincide well with morphological differences observed among the island populations, reinforcing inferred species boundaries, and at least three potential cryptic species were statistically detected within Taiwan.

Main conclusions

Miocene–Pliocene geological events appear to have contributed disproportionately to diversification in the M. taiwanensis species group. The clear association between geographical area, genetic structure and statistical species delimitation strongly supports an interpretation of allopatric speciation. We advocate comparing our results with those derived from additional study organisms with similar life histories to further explore the Miocene–Pliocene diversification hypothesis.
Can radiological assessment of abdominal computerized scans diagnose encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in long‐term peritoneal dialysis patients?
Authors: Stuart Sam , Stott David , Goode Antony , Cash Charlotte J , Davenport Andrew
Published: January 2016

Aim

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but potentially devastating complication of long‐term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Changes to the peritoneal membrane occur with duration of PD therapy. To determine the potential effect of prospective computerized tomography (CT) scanning, we reviewed the scans of patients who had developed EPS compared with those without EPS.

Methods

We retrospectively compared CT scans that had been prospectively performed in a screening program for PD patients after 4 years of PD and compared scans from 18 patients with confirmed EPS and 26 vintage matched controls without EPS. Anonymized scans were reported independently by two blinded experienced radiologists.

Results

Peritoneal thickening, calcification, bowel tethering, thickening and dilatation were significantly more commonly reported in the EPS group. Total combined radiological scores, also including septation within peritoneal fluid, were significantly higher in the EPS group and the greatest for those who died as a consequence of EPS. Simplified scoring based on presence or absence, then for a score of ≥3.0, gave a receiver operating characteristic value of 0.87 for EPS, with a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 85%, respectively. Inter‐observer agreement varied from poor to good, being the greatest for calcification and bowel dilatation and the lowest for peritoneal thickening.

Conclusion

CT scan reporting can differentiate EPS from peritoneal changes associated with duration of PD therapy. Severity of abnormalities was associated with clinical outcomes. However, inter‐observer agreement varies with different radiological appearances, and future studies are required to determine weighting of radiological changes to provide prognostic information for clinicians and patients.
Central venous catheter‐related blood stream infection with pyomyositis due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in a patient with aplastic anemia
Authors: Kodama Yuichi , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Tanabe Takayuki , Nishikawa Takuro , Abematsu Takanari , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Kurauchi Koichiro , Shinkoda Yuichi , Ikeda Naohiro , Seki Shunji , Wakiguchi Hiroyuki , Miyazono Akinori , Kawano Yoshifumi
Published: January 2016

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia causes pneumonia and CVC‐CRBSI in HSCT. However, there are few reports of pyomyositis due to S. maltophilia. We report a patient with CRBSI and pyomyositis due to S. maltophilia after allogeneic HSCT who was successfully treated by removing the CVC and antibiotics without surgical drainage. Removing the CVC and the combined antibiotics without preventing the neutrophil engraftment could avoid surgical drainage in pyomyositis due to S. maltophilia when detected in an early stage.
Why and how knowledge sharing matters for R&D engineers
Authors: Zhu Yu‐Qian
Published: January 2016

This research explored how and why knowledge sharing matters for R&D engineers by investigating the effects of knowledge sharing on R&D engineer's job performance and job satisfaction. Based on multilevel data of 242 R&D engineers from 55 teams, the results showed that the relationships between knowledge sharing and R&D engineer's job performance/satisfaction were mediated through individual learning and self‐efficacy. Individual learning was a necessary step for knowledge sharing to transform into individual knowledge, which in turn enhanced individual level outcomes. At the same time, individual learning enhanced self‐efficacy, which subsequently benefited R&D engineer's job performance and job satisfaction. Finally, individual learning was found to be strongly related to individual job satisfaction.
Initial‐Boundary Value Problem for Integrable Nonlinear Evolution Equation with 3 × 3 Lax Pairs on the Interval
Authors: Xu Jian , Fan Engui
Published: January 2016

We present an approach for analyzing initial‐boundary value problems which are formulated on the finite interval (, where L is a positive constant) for integrable equation whose Lax pairs involve 3 × 3 matrices. Boundary value problems for integrable nonlinear evolution partial differential equations (PDEs) can be analyzed by the unified method introduced by Fokas and developed by him and his collaborators. In this paper, we show that the solution can be expressed in terms of the solution of a 3 × 3 Riemann–Hilbert problem (RHP). The relevant jump matrices are explicitly given in terms of the three matrix‐value spectral functions , and , which in turn are defined in terms of the initial values, boundary values at , and boundary values at , respectively. However, these spectral functions are not independent; they satisfy a global relation. Here, we show that the characterization of the unknown boundary values in terms of the given initial and boundary data is explicitly described for a nonlinear evolution PDE defined on the interval. Also, we show that in the limit when the length of the interval tends to infinity, the relevant formulas reduce to the analogous formulas obtained for the case of boundary value problems formulated on the half‐line.
Regular and moderate aerobic training before allergic asthma induction reduces lung inflammation and remodeling
Authors: de Araújo C. C. , Marques P. S , Silva J. D. , Samary C. S. , da Silva A. L. , Henriques I. , Antunes M. A. , de Oliveira M. V. , Goldenberg R. C. , Morales M. M. , Abreu I. , Diaz B. L. , Rocha N. N. , Capelozzi V. L. , Rocco P. R. M.
Published: January 2016

Experimental studies have reported that aerobic exercise after asthma induction reduces lung inflammation and remodeling. Nevertheless, no experimental study has analyzed whether regular/moderate aerobic training before the induction of allergic asthma may prevent these inflammatory and remodeling processes. For this purpose, BALB/c mice (n = 96) were assigned into non‐trained and trained groups. Trained animals ran on a motorized treadmill at moderate intensity, 30 min/day, 3 times/week, for 8 weeks, and were further randomized into subgroups to undergo ovalbumin sensitization and challenge or receive saline using the same protocol. Aerobic training continued until the last challenge. Twenty‐four hours after challenge, compared to non‐trained animals, trained mice exhibited: (a) increased systolic output and left ventricular mass on echocardiography; (b) improved lung mechanics; (c) decreased smooth muscle actin expression and collagen fiber content in airways and lung parenchyma; (d) decreased transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood; (e) increased interferon (IFN)‐γ in BALF and interleukin (IL)‐10 in blood; and (f) decreased IL‐4 and IL‐13 in BALF. In conclusion, regular/moderate aerobic training prior to allergic asthma induction reduced inflammation and remodeling, perhaps through increased IL‐10 and IFN‐γ in tandem with decreased Th2 cytokines.
Nasopharyngeal Dimensions From Computed Tomography of Pugs and French Bulldogs With Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Authors: Heidenreich Dorothee , Gradner Gabriele , Kneissl Sibylle , Dupré Gilles
Published: January 2016

Objective

To describe the nasopharyngeal airway dimensions of two brachycephalic breeds and to localize the area of smallest airway dimensions.

Study Design

Prospective, descriptive, computed tomographic imaging study.

Animals

Thirty pugs and 30 French bulldogs with brachycephalic upper airway syndrome.

Methods

The thickness and length of the soft palate, cross‐sectional area of the airway passage dorsal to the soft and hard palates, and cross‐sectional area of the frontal sinus were measured and normalized to each dog's skull index and body weight before statistical comparison between breeds. Nasopharyngeal turbinates and surrounding airway space, and a possible relationship between the canine tooth angulation and the severity of airway obstruction were assessed.

Results

Pugs had significantly smaller cross‐sectional areas of the airway dorsal to the soft and hard palates than French bulldogs. In both breeds, the smallest nasopharyngeal cross‐sectional areas were located dorsal to the caudal end of the soft palate. The soft palate of pugs was significantly shorter than that of French bulldogs and also significantly thinner when normalized to each dog's skull index. Pugs more commonly exhibited nasopharyngeal turbinates. Pugs had significantly smaller air‐filled cavities at the location of the frontal sinus. No correlation between the nasopharyngeal dimensions and canine tooth angulation was observed.

Conclusion

Computed tomographic assessment of the upper airway morphology showed the smallest nasopharyngeal cross‐sectional areas were located dorsal to the caudal end of the soft palate in both breeds. Pugs had a smaller nasopharyngeal cross‐sectional area despite smaller soft palate dimensions than French bulldogs.
Outcomes of Limb‐Sparing Surgery Using Two Generations of Metal Endoprosthesis in 45 Dogs With Distal Radial Osteosarcoma. A Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology Retrospective Study
Authors: Mitchell Katherine E. , Boston Sarah E. , Kung Marvin , Dry Sarah , Straw Rod C. , Ehrhart Nicole P. , Ryan Stewart D.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To report outcomes in dogs with distal radial osteosarcoma (OSA) treated with metal endoprosthesis limb‐sparing surgery and compare outcomes between 2 generations of endoprosthesis.

Study Design

Multi‐institutional retrospective case series.

Animals

Forty‐five dogs with distal radial OSA treated with endoprosthesis and chemotherapy.

Methods

Data of dogs treated with either first‐generation endoprosthesis (GEN1) or second‐generation endoprosthesis (GEN2) were sourced from medical records and radiographs. Surgical outcomes included postoperative lameness assessment and the presence, severity, and time to onset of complications. Oncologic outcomes included presence of local recurrence or metastasis, time to onset of local recurrence, metastasis‐free interval (MFI), and survival time. Results for surgical and oncologic outcomes were compared between GEN1 and GEN2.

Results

Twenty‐eight dogs received GEN1 and 17 dogs received GEN2. There were 39 complications (96%, 14 minor, 29 major) including infection (78%), implant‐related complication (36%), and local recurrence (24%). Metastatic frequency was 67% and median MFI was 188 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 126–250 days). Survival time ranged from 34 days to 6.1 years with a median of 289 days (95% CI: 207–371 days). There was no significant difference in complication severity, frequency, time to complication, MFI, or survival time between dogs receiving GEN1 and GEN2.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in outcomes between dogs receiving GEN1 and GEN2 for limb‐sparing surgery of the radius. Metastatic frequency and survival time for metal endoprosthesis were similar to that of amputation with curative intent chemotherapy.
Vagus Nerve Stimulator Placement in Dogs: Surgical Implantation Technique, Complications, Long‐Term Follow‐Up, and Practical Considerations
Authors: Martlé Valentine , Van Ham Luc M. L. , Boon Paul , Caemaert Jacques , Tshamala Mulenda , Vonck Kristl , Raedt Robrecht , Polis Ingeborgh , Bhatti Sofie
Published: January 2016

Objective

To describe a modified implantation procedure of a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device in dogs and to report short‐ and long‐term complications.

Study Design

Descriptive, experimental study.

Animals

Healthy, adult Beagle dogs (n = 10).

Methods

A VNS Therapy® System was implanted in the left cervical region of anesthetized dogs. During and within 48 hours after surgery, electrocardiography (ECG) and impedance testing of the system were performed. Dogs were monitored daily and the impedance of the system was determined regularly until VNS devices were surgically removed 3 years after implantation.

Results

The implantation procedure was successful in all dogs without intraoperative complications. ECG monitoring and impedance tests were within normal limits during and within 48 hours after surgery. Postoperative seroma formation was common (70%). One dog developed an irreversible Horner's syndrome leading to removal of the device 5 months after implantation. Another dog developed trauma‐induced damage of the lead requiring surgical revision. The device could be safely removed in all dogs; however, electrodes were left in place to avoid nerve damage. At removal, the anchor tether was dislodged in 40% of dogs and the lead was twisted in 50% of dogs.

Conclusion

Implantation of a VNS Therapy® System is safe and feasible in dogs; however, seroma formation, twisting of the lead, and dislodgement of the anchor tether were common. Practical improvements in the technique include stable device placement, use of a compression bandage, and exercise restriction. Regular evaluation of lead impedance is important, as altered values can indicate serious complications.
SYNERGISTIC INFLUENCE OF GRAPHITE ON BIOPOLYMER COMPOSITES PROPERTIES
Authors: Abdullah Nur Munirah , M. Rus Anika Zafiah , Abdullah M.F.L
Published: January 2016

Biopolymer and its cross-linker (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate, MDI) were blended by weight 2:1. This is mixed with different percentages of pretreated graphite. The mixture was prepared by slip casting as thin films, at thickness of ~0.1 mm. The interface-morphology-structure relations of graphite/ biopolymer composites was diagnosed by X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. The homogeneously dispersed and strong interface between the graphite with/ within the biopolymer matric influenced the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the thin films where the percolation threshold occurs at higher graphite loading (20 wt.%, 25 wt.% and 30 wt.%) gives conductivity of 103 - 104 S/m. Remarkably, graphite/ biopolymer composites makes it possible to prepare better mechanical behavior with stiff, strong yet tough properties compared with those of its neat counterpart.
A COMPARISON BETWEEN ALUMINIUM AND IRON ELECTRODES IN ELECTROCOAGULATION PROCESS FOR GLYPHOSATE REMOVAL
Authors: Danial Rabiatuladawiyah , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Mobarekeh Mohsen Nourouzi , Sobri Shafreeza , Mohd Adnan Nordayana
Published: January 2016

This study was intended to compare the performance of electrocoagulation process using aluminium and iron electrodes for glyphosate removal in aqueous solution. The effects of initial glyphosate concentration, electrocoagulation time and distance between electrodes, were discussed in detail. An electrocoagulation tank of 500mL with two metal plates electrodes, same in dimensions and metal types, was set up to perform batch mode laboratory experiment and the glyphosate in white powder was first diluted with deionized water. Production of metal cations showed an ability to neutralize negatively charged particles, which then encouraged to bind together to form aggregates of flocs composed of a combination of glyphosate and metal hydroxide. Compared with iron electrodes, aluminium electrodes were more effective for glyphosate removal, with a removal efficiency of over than 80%. This study revealed that electrocoagulation process using aluminium electrodes is reliable, especially designed for initial concentration 100 mg/L, electrocoagulation time 50 min, and distance between electrodes 6 cm. Finally, it can be concluded that electrocoagulation process using aluminium electrodes is efficient for glyphosate removal from aqueous environments.
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY APPLICATION ON FDM TO IMPROVE PARTS SURFACE FINISH
Authors: S. Maidin, , M.K. Muhamad, , E. Pei,
Published: January 2016

Fuse Deposition Modeling (FDM) offer several advantages such as less expensive material, lack of expensive lasers and allows complex geometry to be built. However, FDM have limitations such as seam lines appear between layers and excess material residue, leading to surface roughness and poor finish. Ultrasound has been applied in various conventional machining process and shows good machined surface finish. However, from the literature review, it was found there is no investigation made on the application of ultrasound for Additive Manufacturing (AM) especially for FDM. This paper presents an adaptive approach to improve surface finish of FDM sample by applying ultrasonic vibration. The papers discuss the result of the surface finish of test piece printed via a desktop FDM system whereby an ultrasound device that was securely mounted onto the platform during printing process. Frequency that was used in the experiment is 11, 16 and 21 kHz with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material. Optical microscope with the aid of pro VIS software version 2.90 was used to measure the surface roughness of the four samples printed with a vibration in the above specified frequency. It was found that a 21 kHz frequency applied to the FDM process achieved the best surface finish due to less surface defects found and thickness had finer layers being produced. The results from this study could potentially be applied to other AM system such as the selective laser sintering, electron beam machining and stereolithography. The new data on effects of ultrasonic FDM technique and machining parameter for achieving improved surface finish has potential benefit to be used in various industries such as automotive, consumer, medical, sports, etc to produce prototypes or customized end used product or part. The data will benefit in term of product design and development elimination of manual post processing. Further study that could be done is to use different types of material such as polyactic acid (PLA) or composite material.
THERMAL GRAVIMETRIC AND ACTIVATION ENERGY ANALYSIS OF RENEWABLE POLYMER UPON ULTRAVIOLET (UV) IRRADIATION
Authors: Mat Hassan Nik Normunira , M. Rus Anika Zafiah
Published: January 2016

Renewable polymer made from renewable material is one of the most important groups of polymer because of their versatility and they can be manufactured in a wide range of insulation and automotive application. In this project, renewable polymer based on waste vegetable oil were synthesized and crosslink with commercial polymethane polyphenyl isocyanate. The renewable polymer foam (RPF) was compressed by using hot compression moulding technique at 90 oC based on the evaporation of volatile matter and known as compressed renewable polymer (CRP). The thermal degradation and activation energy of RPF and CRP samples is consistant with the increasing of UV irradiation time at the first degradation, second degradation and third degradation. This is due to thermal stability of samples at the hard segment has a great influence on the thermal stability of soft segment. A higher thermal stability of hard segment leads to a higher degradation temperature of soft segment.
PROCESSIBILITY OF WASTE TO WEALTH GREEN POLYMER WITH POLYETHYLENE BY INJECTION MOULDING
Authors: M. Salim Nurul Syamimi , M. Rus Anika Zafiah
Published: January 2016

Green polymer from waste cooking oils is successfully converted into high functionality of hydroxylated green monomer. The green monomer was used crosslinker and known as Green Polymer. Green Polymer is compounded with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). These wastes to wealth green polymer are successfully compounded with HDPE and LDPE by melt-mixing used an injection molding machine known as Pro-GreP. The effect of different ratio of compounding materials on the mechanical properties of Pro-GreP was studied by tensile test. Morphological of surface fracture with magnification 100x on Pro-GreP is revealed the homogenous characteristic with high compatibility properties. Finally, the presence of biopolymer provide biodegradable properties, but it also improves the mechanical properties. It can be showed that the tensile strength and tensile strain is decreased than the neat thermoplastic and they were found to decreased with the increasing of biopolymer compounds. However, LDPE are lower in tensile strength and tensile strain than HDPE.
UTILIZATION OF OIL PALM TRUNK (ELAEIS GUINEENSIS) AS FOAM COMPOSITE FOR SOUND ABSORPTION
Authors: Sa’adon Shafizah , M. Rus Anika Zafiah
Published: January 2016

Oil Palm Trunk (OPT) act as a filler for polymer foam composite has been investigated and proved to have ability to absorb sound. In this study, treatment of wood untreated and treated with acid hydrolysis named as UP5 and TP5 was use as filler. This study was developed to compare the ability of sound absorption based on different composition of filler in polymer foam composite. By choosing the size of <500 µm, three different percentage has been selected which is 10 %, 15 % and 20 % for both conditions. These samples has been tested by using Impedance Tube test according to ASTM E-1050 for sound absorption coefficient, α measurement and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for determine the porosity for each  samples. 20 % filler loading of UP5 gives highest sound absorption coefficient of 0.97 at 4728 Hz. Meanwhile for 20 % loaded of TP5 gives 0.99 at 3371 Hz. When comparing the sound absorption coefficient for both sounds absorbing materials, TP5 polymer foam composite showed higher value of sound absorption coefficient, α at lower frequency level (Hz) as compared to UP5 polymer foam composite which gives better results in sound absorption.
VALIDATION OF PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS FOR OPTIMIZED VEHICULAR AD HOC NETWORK USING TAGUCHI METHOD
Authors: Abdul Halim Aznor Hanah , Elshaikh Mohamed , Mohd Warip Mohd Nazri , Ahmad R Badlishah
Published: January 2016

Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) is quite different from other ad hoc networks in term of functionality because of the variable node density, high node mobility, and unpredictable and harsh communication environment. There are two major application VANETs, namely safety applications and non-safety applications. Network optimization is one way to maintain the existing protocols and other network parameter rather than costly efforts for design and implementing new improved protocols. Motivated with the reasons to save effort of time and cost this paper presents the validation of optimized vehicular network for throughput, average delay and packet delivery ratio using Taguchi method. Highway scenario is chosen as the evaluation condition for this paper.  From the performance evaluated the performance of optimized setting gives better results than non-optimized setting for both safety and non-safety applications.  It is proved that Taguchi Method is applicable to optimize vehicular ad hoc network.
HUMAN BEHAVIORAL CHANGES AND ITS IMPACT IN DISEASE MODELING
Authors: Shian Li Teoh , Labadin Jane , Piau Phang , Tyng Ling Yeong , Abd Rahman Shapiee
Published: January 2016

One of the threats of the world health is the infectious diseases. This leads to the raise of concern of the policymakers and disease researchers. Vaccination program is one of the methods to prevent the vaccine-preventable diseases and hence help to eradicate the diseases. The impact of the preventive actions is related to the human behavioral changes. Fear of the diseases will increase one’s incentive in taking the preventive actions to avoid the diseases. As human behavioral changes affecting the impact of the preventive actions, the individual-based model is constructed to incorporate the behavioral changes in disease modeling. The agents in the individual-based model are allowed to move randomly and interact with each other in the environment. The interactions will cause the disease viruses as well as the fearfulness to be spread in the population. In addition, the individual-based model can have different environment setups to distinguish the urban and rural areas. The results shown in this paper are divided into two subsections, which are the justification of using uniform distribution as random number generator, and the variation of disease spread dynamics in urban and rural areas. Based on the results, the uniform distribution is found to be sufficient in generating the random numbers in this model as there is no extreme outlier reported in the experiment. We have hypothesized the individuals in urban area to have higher level of fearfulness compared to those in rural area. However, the preliminary results of the survey conducted show a disagreement with the hypothesis. Nevertheless, the data collected still show two distinct classes of behavior. Thus, the distinction does not fall into the samples taken from rural or urban areas but perhaps more on the demographic factors. Therefore, the survey has to be study again and demographic factors have to be included in the survey as we could not distinguish the level of fearfulness by areas.
FATIGUE ANALYSIS OF MICRO CONTACT CELL VIA CONSTANT AMPLITUDE LOADING
Authors: S. Khairul Fadzli, , S. Muhammad Nasiruddin , A. Hambali , S. Maidin, , S. Abdul Rahim
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the fatigue analysis of the top part of micro contact cell via the constant amplitude loading of new electrical conductive cell contact using micro-structures. The cell is purposely developed to replace the pogo pin used in the assembly line of semi-conductor industry. The new design of micro contact cell utilizes different concept with the typical mechanism of pogo pin nowadays. The development of the cell is using a quasi-solid material as a function of spring mechanism. There are a number of studies giving promising results regarding the design of micro contact cell.  This study determines the fatigue failure of micro-contact pins in order to analyze the reliability of the cell under the load of repetitive condition. This study also monitors the fatigue life of micro contact under certain parameters of the constantly repeated loading and suggests the most suitable pin number according to fatigue analysis. The fatigue lives of four (4) models of micro contact cell with different number of pins are studied. The results obtained from the study shows that 16-pin model of micro contact cell is the most reliable and robust design for the repetitive application.