bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Massage-Induced Brachial Plexus Injury
Authors: Chang Chih-Ya , Wu Yung-Tsan , Chen Liang-Cheng , Chan Rai-Chi , Chang Shin-Tsu , Chiang Shang-Lin
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose

There are few reports in the literature of adverse effects resulting from massage therapy (MT) and no reports of brachial plexus injury (BPI) associated with MT. This case report describes an uncommon case of BPI that developed after a session of MT and reviews previously published reports of peripheral nerve injury following MT.

Case Description

A 58-year-old Asian woman developed sudden unilateral paralysis of her left shoulder girdle after a session of MT. A diagnosis of acute BPI was suspected due to her recent history and the results of several examinations. The results of electrodiagnostic studies indicated a possible location for the lesion and ultimately led to a different diagnosis.

Outcomes

The patient regularly participated in a twice-weekly rehabilitation program targeting the left shoulder. The rehabilitation program included supervised passive range of motion, strengthening, and stretching exercises as well as a home exercise program. A 12-month follow-up showed the patient had achieved gradual recovery of shoulder strength, resolution of limitations of range of motion, and relief of shoulder pain.

Discussion

This is believed to be the first report of BPI associated with MT. This case report serves as a reminder to massage therapists and physical therapists that MT of the neck should be carefully performed to avoid injury. Further studies will help design safer and more effective MT for the future.
Optimal Power Allocation for MIMO-MAC in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: He Peter , He Guangming , Zhao Lian
Published: September 2014

This paper considers a cognitive radio (CR) network, in which the unlicensed (secondary) users (SUs) are allowed to concurrently access the spectrum allocated to the licensed (primary) users, provided that the interference of SUs with the primary users (PUs) satisfies certain constraints. It is more general and owns a stronger challenge to ensure the quality of service (QoS) of PUs, as well as to maximize the sum-rate of SUs. On the other hand, the multiple-antenna mobile user case has not been well investigated for the target problem in the open literature. We refer to this setting as multiple input multiple output multiple access channels (MIMO-MAC) in the CR network. Subject to the interference constraints of SUs and the peak power constraints of SUs, the sum-rate maximization problem is solved. To efficiently maximize the achievable sum-rate of SUs, a tight pair of upper and lower bounds, as an interval, of the optimal Lagrange multiplier is proposed. It can avoid ineffectiveness or inefficiency when the dual decomposition is used. Furthermore, a novel water-filling-like algorithm is proposed for the inner loop computation of the proposed problem. It is shown that this algorithm used in the inner loop computation can obtain the exact solution with a few finite computations, to avoid one more loop, which would be embedded in the inner loop. In addition, the proposed approach overcomes the limitation of Hermitian matrices, as optimization variables. This limitation to the optimization problem in several complex variables has not been well investigated so far. As a result, our analysis and results are solidly extended to the field of complex numbers, which are more compatible with practical communication systems.
Digital Forensics to Intelligent Forensics
Authors: Irons Alastair , Lallie Harjinder
Published: September 2014

In this paper we posit that current investigative techniques—particularly as deployed by law enforcement, are becoming unsuitable for most types of crime investigation. The growth in cybercrime and the complexities of the types of the cybercrime coupled with the limitations in time and resources, both computational and human, in addressing cybercrime put an increasing strain on the ability of digital investigators to apply the processes of digital forensics and digital investigations to obtain timely results. In order to combat the problems, there is a need to enhance the use of the resources available and move beyond the capabilities and constraints of the forensic tools that are in current use. We argue that more intelligent techniques are necessary and should be used proactively. The paper makes the case for the need for such tools and techniques, and investigates and discusses the opportunities afforded by applying principles and procedures of artificial intelligence to digital forensics intelligence and to intelligent forensics and suggests that by applying new techniques to digital investigations there is the opportunity to address the challenges of the larger and more complex domains in which cybercrimes are taking place.
Increased NQO1 but Not c-MET and Survivin Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma with KRAS Mutations
Authors: Yilmaz Ahmet , Mohamed Nehad , Patterson Kara , Tang Yan , Shilo Konstantin , Villalona-Calero Miguel , Davis Michael , Zhou Xiaoping , Frankel Wendy , Otterson Gregory , Beall Howard , Zhao Weiqiang
Published: September 2014

Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant public health issues and the most common environmental cause of preventable cancer deaths worldwide. EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor)-targeted therapy has been used in the treatment of LC (lung cancer), mainly caused by the carcinogens in cigarette smoke, with variable success. Presence of mutations in the KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) driver oncogene may confer worse prognosis and resistance to treatment for reasons not fully understood. NQO1 (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase), also known as DT-diaphorase, is a major regulator of oxidative stress and activator of mitomycins, compounds that have been targeted in over 600 pre-clinical trials for treatment of LC. We sequenced KRAS and investigated expression of NQO1 and five clinically relevant proteins (DNMT1, DNMT3a, ERK1/2, c-MET, and survivin) in 108 patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). NQO1, ERK1/2, DNMT1, and DNMT3a but not c-MET and survivin expression was significantly more frequent in patients with KRAS mutations than those without, suggesting the following: (1) oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis, worse prognosis, and resistance to treatment reported in NSCLC patients with KRAS mutations, (2) selecting patients based on their KRAS mutational status for future clinical trials may increase success rate, and (3) since oxidation of nucleotides also specifically induces transversion mutations, the high rate of KRAS transversions in lung cancer patients may partly be due to the increased oxidative stress in addition to the known carcinogens in cigarette smoke.
Acculturation and Depressive Symptoms among Turkish Immigrants in Germany
Authors: Morawa Eva , Erim Yesim
Published: September 2014

The present study explores the impact of acculturation on depressive symptoms among Turkish immigrants in Germany, taking into account different dimensions of cultural orientation. A total of 471 patients from two selected samples (254 primary care patients and 217 outpatients of a psychosomatic department) participated. Levels of acculturation were measured as orientation towards culture of origin (CO), and orientation towards the host culture (HC). Acculturation strategies (integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization) were also assessed as well as their association with depressive symptoms (BDI). Furthermore, gender- and migration-related differences in terms of acculturation and levels of depressive symptomatology were analyzed. Integration was the acculturation strategy associated with the lowest level of depressive symptoms (M = 14.6, SD = 11.9), while marginalization was associated with the highest (M = 23.5, SD = 14.7). Gender was not found to have a significant impact on acculturation but influenced depressive symptoms, with women (M = 21.8, SD = 13.3) reporting higher levels of depressive symptomatology than men (M = 15.1, SD = 14.0; p < 0.001). In first generation immigrants, significantly higher CO (M = 46.6, SD = 8.3; p < 0.001), lower HC (M = 31.0, SD = 9.6; p < 0.001), and higher levels of depressive symptoms (M = 20.2, SD = 14.1; p < 0.001) were found in comparison to second generation immigrants (CO: M = 41.3, SD = 7.4; HC: M = 36.2, SD = 8.8; depressive symptoms: M = 14.0, SD = 12.9). Our results suggest that orientation towards both the heritage and the host culture has a positive effect on the mental health status of immigrants. Future research needs to include representative samples of migrants from different cultures to further explore the association between acculturation and mental health.
The Wheat E Subunit of V-Type H+-ATPase Is Involved in the Plant Response to Osmotic Stress
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Hong , Li Bo , Hu Yin-Gang , Chen Liang , Min Dong-Hong
Published: September 2014

The vacuolar type H+-ATPase (V-type H+-ATPase) plays important roles in establishing an electrochemical H+-gradient across tonoplast, energizing Na+ sequestration into the central vacuole, and enhancing salt stress tolerance in plants. In this paper, a putative E subunit of the V-type H+-ATPase gene, W36 was isolated from stress-induced wheat de novo transcriptome sequencing combining with 5'-RACE and RT-PCR methods. The full-length of W36 gene was 1097 bp, which contained a 681 bp open reading frame (ORF) and encoded 227 amino acids. Southern blot analysis indicated that W36 was a single-copy gene. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the expression level of W36 could be upregulated by drought, cold, salt, and exogenous ABA treatment. A subcellular localization assay showed that the W36 protein accumulated in the cytoplasm. Isolation of the W36 promoter revealed some cis-acting elements responding to abiotic stresses. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing W36 were enhanced salt and mannitol tolerance. These results indicate that W36 is involved in the plant response to osmotic stress.
Enantiomerically Pure Phosphonated Carbocyclic 2'-Oxa-3'-Azanucleosides: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Romeo Roberto , Carnovale Caterina , Giofrè Salvatore , Monciino Giulia , Chiacchio Maria , Sanfilippo Claudia , Macchi Beatrice
Published: September 2014

Starting from enantiomeric pure 1-[(3S,5R)- and 1-[(3R,5S)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylisoxazolidin-5-yl]-5-methylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-diones (−)7a and (+)7b, obtained by lipase-catalyzed resolution, pure diethyl{[(3S,5R)-2-methyl-5-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)isoxazolidin-3-yl]methyl}phosphonate (−)12a and diethyl{[(3R,5S)-2-methyl-5-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)isoxazolidin-3-yl]methyl}phosphonate (+)12b have been synthesized. The obtained compounds showed no cytotoxic activity versus the U937 cell line in comparison with AZT, and were poorly able to inhibit HIV infection in vitro.
Native Chemical Ligation: A Boon to Peptide Chemistry
Authors: Thapa Parashar , Zhang Rui-Yang , Menon Vinay , Bingham Jon-Paul
Published: September 2014

The use of chemical ligation within the realm of peptide chemistry has opened various opportunities to expand the applications of peptides/proteins in biological sciences. Expansion and refinement of ligation chemistry has made it possible for the entry of peptides into the world of viable oral therapeutic drugs through peptide backbone cyclization. This progression has been a journey of chemical exploration and transition, leading to the dominance of native chemical ligation in the present advances of peptide/protein applications. Here we illustrate and explore the historical and current nature of peptide ligation, providing a clear indication to the possibilities and use of these novel methods to take peptides outside their typically defined boundaries.
An Examination of the Relationship between Rural Tourists’ Satisfaction, Revisitation and Information Preferences: A Korean Case Study
Authors: Cho Hee-Sun , Byun Byungseol , Shin Sunmi
Published: September 2014

To encourage the sustainability of rural tourism and to achieve success in the tourist industry, an understanding of the factors by which tourists are motivated to visit rural areas is required. This study aims to measure factors affecting rural tourists’ satisfaction in relation to different aspects of a destination and to increase the likelihood of revisitation and recommendation. This study also attempts to examine differences in relation to satisfaction depending on the information source preference. Overall satisfaction was influenced by physical infrastructure, service quality and satisfaction level with tour programs. However, the quality of services was more related to tourists’ intentions to revisit and recommend, suggesting that its qualitative improvement can contribute to vitalizing stagnant domestic tourism. The findings revealed that tourists’ satisfaction was high when people mainly gained tourist information through formal government sources, word-of-mouth and Internet advertising, suggesting that the positive correlation between tourists’ satisfaction and information sources reflects the reliability and credibility of those sources.
Unilateral or single-session bilateral surgery for correction of medial patellar luxation in small dogs: short and long-term outcomes
Authors: Huneault L. , Dupuis J. , Moreau M. , Auger J. , Clerfond P.
Published: September 2014

Objective: To compare complication rates as well as the short and long-term function of surgical limbs in small dogs with bilateral medial patellar luxation (MPL) undergoing unilateral or single-session bilateral surgery.

Methods: Dogs weighing less than 12 kg with bilateral MPL that underwent unilateral (group U) or single-session bilateral surgery (group B) were retrospectively analysed. Data analysed included signalment, grades of luxation, surgical procedures, duration of surgery and anaesthesia, use of antibiotic medications, hospitalization time, complications, function at short-term follow-up, bone healing, and long-term assessment of function by means of a questionnaire.

Results: Twenty-four dogs were included in group U and 27 in group B. Groups were similar in signalment and procedures performed. No significant difference was found in overall, minor, and major complication rates between Group U and Group B, nor in the short and long-term function of surgical limbs. Nine out of 21 dogs developed clinical signs on the contralateral stifle in Group U, of which only three underwent corrective surgery.

Clinical significance: Single-session bilateral surgery could be offered for dogs with bilateral MPL with complication rates and function of operated limbs similar to unilateral surgery.
Safety and immunogenicity profiles of an adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in Guatemalan children
Authors: Solares Adib Rodriguez , Aragon Carlos Grazioso , Pivaral Rodolfo Urruela , Prado-Cohrs David , Sales-Carmona Victor , Pellegrini Michele , Groth Nicola
Published: September 2014

Introduction: The efficacy of non-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in young children is considered to be suboptimal.  This study compared the safety and immunogenicity profiles of MF59-adjuvanted, trivalent, influenza vaccine (ATIV) and non-adjuvanted, trivalent, influenza vaccine (TIV) in Guatemalan children (N = 360) between 6 and < 60 months of age. Methodology: Children received two doses of ATIV or TIV administered four weeks apart. Solicited adverse reactions were recorded for seven days after each vaccination. Serious adverse events were recorded throughout the entire study period. Antibody responses were assessed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay at baseline, four weeks after administration of the first vaccine dose, and three weeks after administration of the second dose. Results: Both ATIV and TIV were well tolerated, with similar rates of solicited reactions and adverse events observed in response to both vaccines. MF59-adjuvanted vaccine induced considerably higher antibody titers than did TIV. After two doses, the B strain-specific antibody response to TIV was insufficient to meet the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) licensure criterion for seroprotection, whereas responses to the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine met the seroprotection criterion against all three strains. Cross-reactive antibody responses to MF59-adjuvanted vaccine met the CBER seroprotection criterion against all three strains after two doses; B strain-specific heterologous responses to non-adjuvanted TIV were inadequate. Conclusions: The MF59-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine was well-tolerated and highly immunogenic in children 6 to < 60 months of age, inducing seroprotective antibody titers against both the vaccine strains and antigenically distinct heterologous strains.
Norovirus GII.4 antibodies in the Portuguese population
Authors: Mesquita João Rodrigo , Nascimento Maria São José
Published: September 2014

Introduction: Norovirus GII.4 is the leading cause of outbreaks of acute and sporadic acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Information on the prevalence of norovirus in Portugal is scarce or null. Methodology: We used a GII.4 norovirus virus-like particle-based enzyme immune assay to measure the seropositivity rate of GII.4 norovirus. Results: A total of 342 (70%) out of 473 serum samples tested positive for anti-GII.4 norovirus IgG. No statistically significant differences were found between regions, sex and age groups. Conclusion: Norovirus GII.4 infections are frequent in Portugal.
La « cyberdépendance » : un phénomène en construction
Authors: Juneau Sandra , Martel Joane
Published: September 2014

Depuis quelques années déjà, certains auteurs luttaient pour faire reconnaître l’utilisation d’Internet comme un objet potentiel de « dépendance » à inclure dans la cinquième version du Manuel diagnostique et statistique des troubles mentaux (DSM-5) alors que d’autres ne partageaient pas cet avis. Par le prisme d’un regard critique, cet article trace les principaux discours des acteurs sociaux qui participent à la construction sociale de la « cyberdépendance ». Plus spécifiquement, les affrontements, conciliations et fronts communs qui se constituent et se métamorphosent au sein de deux sphères d’influence importantes sont mis en lumière, soit celles de la science et de l’intervention sociale.
Qu'est-ce que le nationalisme méthodologique ?
Authors: Dumitru Speranta
Published: September 2014

Résumé Cet article montre qu’il existe au moins trois versions différentes de nationalisme méthodologique que nous appellerons stato-centriste (la prééminence injustifiée accordée à l’État-nation dans les sciences sociales), territorialiste (penser l’espace comme découpé en territoires) et groupiste (comprendre la société comme la société de l’État-nation). Si ces trois versions sont logiquement distinctes, comme nous le montrerons, cette typologie représente un outil pour mieux évaluer le poids du nationalisme méthodologique dans les sciences sociales. Divisé en trois parties, cet article a pour objectif de montrer que : 1) les trois versions sont toutes présentes dans la littérature sur le nationalisme méthodologique, sans toujours être distinguées ; 2) le problème épistémologique que pose le nationalisme méthodologique est parfois confondu avec des questions ontologiques ou normatives concernant la mondialisation et les frontières étatiques ; 3) les trois versions de nationalisme méthodologique sont logiquement indépendantes les unes des autres, ce qui peut être illustré par quelques exemples.
Nationalisme méthodologique – cosmopolitisme méthodologique : un changement de paradigme dans les sciences sociales
Authors: Beck Ulrich , Boudou Benjamin
Published: September 2014

Résumé Cet article montre que le nationalisme méthodologique est remis en question par les processus de « cosmopolitisation de la réalité » produits par la prise de conscience globale des crises et des risques qui ne sont ni confinés, ni intelligibles au niveau national. L’article clarifie la notion de cosmopolitisme méthodologique qui doit être distinguée à la fois du cosmopolitisme normatif et d’autres manières de répondre à la différence. Les processus de comsopolitisation sont décrits au travers de sept thèses qui éclaircissent les conditions de possibilité d’une société imaginée cosmopolite.
Anhedonia and Alternative Sports
Authors: Rinehart Robert E.
Published: September 2014

L’incapacité contemporaine d’éprouver du plaisir est concomitante à la ruée vers des expériences médiatisées comme expériences de plaisir qui sont expérimentées rapidement et de façon épisodique. Cela constitue une facette très importante de la nature paradoxale de la manière dont nos contemporains organisent leur vie. Les sports alternatifs, les sports de glisse, de l’extrême, du freestyle fournissent un domaine d’étude privilégié pour étudier cette incapacité à éprouver du plaisir (anhédonisme) chez le sujet postmoderne contemporain. L’article explique les mécanismes sociologiques, anthropologiques et émotionnels de cette nouvelle construction sociétale.
La construction identitaire du gardien de but en football : approche historique
Authors: Tenèze Ludovic , Meziani Martial , Joncheray Hélène
Published: September 2014

Cet article a pour ambition de porter un regard original sur l’histoire de la construction identitaire du gardien de but de football. S’il n’existe pas de loi spécifique le concernant, l’étude des transformations de la codification du football depuis 150 ans, notamment à travers les archives du Board , permet de le distinguer de tous les autres joueurs. Ainsi, l’ipséité du gardien de but peut être mise en évidence par l’intermédiaire de la construction d’un statut unique, notamment caractérisé par une motricité spécifique, une tenue particulière et un positionnement sur le terrain éloigné de ses coéquipiers. L’évolution de ses interactions avec la balle, l’espace et autrui lui ont permis de transformer sa motricité pour dépasser sa fonction première et devenir progressivement le premier attaquant relanceur de son équipe. Par la suite, il a endossé, à la fin du XX e  siècle, le rôle d’un véritable joueur de soutien, quand son équipe est en possession du ballon. Cette recherche montre que la stabilité de l’identité du gardien de but de football affichée par les lois du jeu n’est qu’apparente. En effet, elle cache de profondes mutations, sources de la construction et de transformations de son identité.
La relation de service comme rapport de reconnaissance : l'exemple de l'accompagnement des réfugiés vers le travail
Authors: Tcholakova Albena
Published: September 2014

Cet article propose d’analyser la « relation de service » comme un rapport de reconnaissance. Il prend pour exemple la relation d’accompagnement des réfugiés vers le travail. Ce type de relation de service s’avère particulièrement heuristique en raison de l’omniprésence des enjeux de reconnaissance qu’il comporte. Nous proposons dans un premier temps une réflexion sur la manière dont le paradigme de la reconnaissance d’Axel Honneth peut être mobilisé dans une analyse de la relation d’accompagnement pour rendre compte de la formation d’attentes de reconnaissance spécifiques aux réfugiés et aux acteurs de l’accompagnement. Nous examinons dans un deuxième temps différentes formes de désajustement entre attentes et effets de reconnaissance dans la relation d’accompagnement et le « drame social du travail » qui s’y noue ainsi. Nous terminons par une analyse des réactions des réfugiés aux différentes formes de déni de reconnaissance que la relation d’accompagnement peut produire.
Le lien social et le désir dans la recherche d'une orientation professionnelle
Authors: Méloni Dominique , Rassial Jean-Jacques
Published: September 2014

Cet article propose d’étudier le rapport entre le lien social et le désir dans le choix d’une orientation professionnelle à partir des concepts psychanalytiques. La nécessité de travailler implique des renoncements : la confrontation à la réalité et aux exigences de la vie sociale remet en question la possibilité de réaliser pleinement ses désirs et d’atteindre son idéal. Toutefois, ce peut être l’occasion d’affirmer sa subjectivité dans la société grâce à la constitution de satisfactions substitutives symboliques. Dans cette perspective, le choix d’une orientation professionnelle est celui d’un choix de destin pulsionnel et celui de son expression métaphorique.
Le désastre
Authors: Cellier M. , Chapuis Olivier , Chauvin J. , Delpuech E. , Devantay K. , Ghanty Y. , Lafarge C.
Published: September 2014

Ce texte repose sur trois récits de médecins du travail témoignant des contraintes exercées sur leur activité. La présentation de ces contraintes contribue, en réalité, à révéler la dégradation des actions de transformation du travail et de son organisation au sein des entreprises. Sont ainsi présentés des éléments d’analyse relatifs au contexte d’exercice des médecins, en particulier les outils mobilisés au service de la domination comme le recours aux dispositifs législatifs permettant aux employeurs de porter plainte contre les médecins.
Immunomodulatory role of probiotics in poultry and potential in ovo application
Authors: Cox C.M. , Dalloul R.A.
Published: September 2014

Recently, there has been an increasing debate regarding the use of sub-therapeutic antibiotics in animal feed. This stems from worries that this practice may result in microbial resistance to human antibiotics employed in treating infections, thus causing a human health concern. Due to this tension, the poultry industry is under mounting pressure to reduce the use of these agents as feed additives and alternative control methods have taken the forefront in the research community. Investigators are searching for the latest alternative that will protect flocks from disease, while not hindering performance or negatively impacting profit margins. Probiotic supplementation is one option currently being explored as a means of improving performance and reducing the amount and severity of enteric diseases in poultry, and subsequent contamination of poultry products for human consumption. Probiotics are live, nonpathogenic microorganisms known to have a positive effect on the host by beneficially modifying gut microbiota and modulating the immune system. This review will discuss the role of probiotics in poultry, including their effects on performance, immune response and host defence against disease. Also addressed will be the recent applications of supplementing probiotics in ovo as an innovative means to administer such additives to promote early colonisation of beneficial bacteria.
Discovery and confirmation of genes/proteins associated with maize aflatoxin resistance
Authors: Chen Z.-Y. , Rajasekaran K. , Brown R. L. , Sayler R. J. , Bhatnagar D.
Published: September 2014

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major crops susceptible toAspergillus flavus infection and subsequent aflatoxin contamination. Many earlier studies indicated the roles of kernel proteins, especially constitutively expressed proteins, in maize resistance toA. flavus infection and aflatoxin production. In this review, we examined the past and current efforts in identifying maize genes and proteins from kernel, rachis, and silk tissues that may play an important role in resistance toA. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination, as well as the efforts in determining the importance or involvement of them in maize resistance through biochemical, molecular and genetics studies. Through these studies, we gained a better understanding of host resistance mechanism: resistant lines appear to either express some stress-related and antifungal proteins at higher levels in endosperm, embryo, rachis and silk tissues beforeA. flavus infection or induce the expression of these proteins much faster compared to susceptible maize lines. In addition, we summarised several recent efforts in enhancing maize resistance to aflatoxin contamination using native genes from maize or heterologous and synthetic genes from other sources as well as fromA. flavus. These efforts to either suppressA. flavus growth or aflatoxin production, have all shown some promising preliminary success. For example, maize plants transformed with an ?-amylase inhibitor protein fromLablab purpurea showed reduced aflatoxin levels by 56% in kernel screening assays. The antifungal potentials of transgenic maize plants expressing synthetic lytic peptides, such as cecropin-based D4E1 or tachyplesin-based AGM peptides with demonstrated anti-flavus activity (IC50 = 2.5 to 10 ?M), are yet to be assayed. Further investigation in these areas may provide a more cost-effective alternative to biocontrol in managing aflatoxin contamination in maize and other susceptible crops.
Enhance the Colloidal Stability of Magnetite Nanoparticles Using Poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) Stabilizers
Authors: Ng Qi Hwa , Lim Jit Kang , Latif Ahmad Abdul , Ooi Boon Seng , Low Siew Chun
Published: September 2014

The major challenge in assessing the performance of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) in removing pollutants from wastewater is the agglomeration of those nanoparticles into a bulky cluster size. In this study, different concentration of poly (sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (PSS) were coated around the surface of MNPs to increase the particles’ colloidal stability. Both dynamic light scattering (DLS) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses have proved the success coating of PSS onto MNPs, whereby the cluster size of the functionalized MNPs were shown notably depends on the applied dosage of PSS. PSS/MNPs functionalization at molar ratio of 6:1 was found to have the smallest cluster size at 148.4 ± 0.22 nm. These results have provided some insight about the particles’ colloidal stability that could be useful for environmental remediation.
Mathematical Modelling for Hydrogen Production from Steam Gasification of Cellulose
Authors: Inayat Abrar , Ahmad Murni M. , Mutalib Mohammed Ibrahim Abdul , Yusup Suzana , Khan Zakir
Published: September 2014

In Malaysia, due to its abundance, oil palm is a good candidate to be used as a feedstock for hydrogen production. Oil palm biomass generally consists of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Steam gasification, coupled with CO2 removal has been shown to be one of the promising methods for hydrogen production. This work focuses on the mathematical modeling of hydrogen production from cellulose via steam gasification and steam gasification with in-situ CO2 capture using CaO. The results are compared and rationalized against published data on steam gasification of pure cellulose and good agreement is observed. The model predicts an increase in hydrogen output from 48 to 56 mol% with the addition of CaO into the system. By increasing temperature and steam/biomass ratio the cold gas efficiency decreases, however, temperature have higher impact compared to steam/biomass ratio.
The Impact of the Composition of the Crude Oils on the Wax Crystallization
Authors: Hosseinipour Arya , Sabil Khalik M. , Arya Ekaputra Andhy , Japper Azuraien B. , Ismail Lukman B.
Published: September 2014

One of the major problems in petroleum industry is wax precipitation and deposition. The component’s compositional and structural analysis of the crude oils is key factors to be studied to mitigate wax formation and precipitation tendency for the betterment of the crude oil flowability. In this work, the compositions and structures of two Malaysian and Sudanese crude oil samples were determined to investigate their effects on wax precipitation. The GC/MS was used to analyze hydrocarbon components. For this work, high pressure micro differential scanning calorimetry (HPμDSC) is used to determine the wax crystallization point and solubility curve. Results showed a linear relationship between wax appearance temperature (WAT) and weight percentage of component in the crude oil having > 14 carbon atoms. In addition, the effect of temperature on the amount of wax precipitation has also been investigated. Keywords: N-paraffin, Wax appearance temperature, Wax precipitation, High pressure micro differential scanning calorimetry
Extractive Desulphurization of Model Oil Using Sulphonium Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Lethesh Kallidanthiyil Chellappan , Binti Hasnan Nurul Hidayah , Mutalib Mohammed Ibrahim Abdul
Published: September 2014

Synthesis of a novel class of cyclic sulphonium based ionic liquids was performed. The ionic liquids were characterized using 1H NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and CHNS elemental analysis. The physicochemical properties of the ionic liquids such as density viscosity and thermal decomposition temperature of the synthesized ionic liquids were determined. The potential of these ionic liquids for the extractive desulphurization of model oil was investigated.
Fine Structural Analysis of Solvent Activated Cu-BTC for Carbon Dioxide Capture
Authors: Chowdhury Sujan , Leng Tan Wei , Ahmed Iqbal , Bustam Mohamad Azmi , Azmi Mohd Shariff
Published: September 2014

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are presently under substantial investigation due to their properties and high potential as new class of porous material for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. Experimentally, Cu-BTC crystalline frameworks with diameter of approximately 6-13 μm were found. The washing method of Cu-BTC was examined using three different solvent, (a) ethanol and water (1:1), (b) water, and (c) acetone to improve the BET surface area. These materials display approximately type I isotherms with no hysteresis and saturation. CO2 adsorption capacities study shows that acetone wash material can store about 5.98 mmolg-1of CO2 at 25oC and 1.2 bar.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Flocculant Kenaf Based
Authors: Razak Siti Fatimah Mohamed , Ngadi Norzita
Published: September 2014

A novel hybrid flocculant of acrylamide and cellulose was synthesized by using microwave irradiation method. Cellulose was extracted from kenaf by using TAPPI method. 57.4% of percentage grafting and efficiency has been obtained from the grafting process. The hybrid flocculant properties were characterized by using FTIR spectroscopy, FESEM and elemental analysis. Additional peaks that appear in FTIR result, presence of nitrogen in elemental analysis and granular structure of PAM attached in fibrillar structure of cellulose proved that PAM was successfully grafted onto cellulose backbone.
Study of Simultaneous Mass Transfer and Nucleation in Cryogenic Packed Bed for the Removal of CO2 from Natural Gas
Authors: Ali Abulhassan , Ashraf Atif Muhammad , Shariff Azmi Mohd , Ganguly Saibal
Published: September 2014

The paper presents the concept of cryogenic growth kinetics during separation of CO2 from natural gas using Avrami nucleation model. The interface frost layer on the glass packing of cryogenic bed is assumed as germ nuclei. The bed porosity is considered time dependent. The expression for time varying bed porosity is derived based on Avrami model. The experimentation was conducted to validate the model and the resulting simulation studies show good resemblance with experimental results.
A Review on Robustness of Covalent Organic Polymers for CO2 Capture
Authors: Yaqub Sana , Mellon Nurhayati , Shariff Azmi Mohamad
Published: September 2014

The presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in natural gas stream is a critical problem; besides causing corrosion it also reduces the energy contents and heating value of natural gas. Various separation techniques are available to separate CO2 from natural gas, such as metal organic framework (MOF), covalent organic framework (COF) and Covalent Organic Polymer (COP) adsorbents. The criteria of adsorbent selection that need to be fulfilled include high adsorption capacity, high selectivity of CO2 and hydrothermal stability at operating conditions. COPs are crystalline porous materials having high CO2 capacity and selectivity in the presence of water vapors. However, the research on COP material development is new and scarce information is available in literature. In this prospect, the paper highlights the different types of COPs, their basic constituents and the adsorption capacities.
Kinetic Analysis on Catalytic Co-Gasification of Rubber Seed Shell and High Density Polyethylene Mixtures
Authors: Lai Fui Bridgid Chin , Yusup Suzana , Shoaibi Ahmed Al , Kannan Pravin , Srinivasakannan Chandrasekar , Sulaiman Shaharin Anwar
Published: September 2014

In this paper, the catalytic co-gasification of rubber seed shell and high density polyethylene mixtures (0.2:0.8 weight ratio of HDPE:RSS) are investigated using a non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) system in a range of heating rates of 10, 20, 30 and 50 K/min within the temperature range of 323-1173 K. The argon gas is supplied at a flowrate of 100 ml/min and the steam is generated from superheater at 383 K. The steam is injected at flowrate of 300 μL/hour into the TGA system. A commercial nickel powder is used as the catalyst for the gasification process. The thermal decomposition behavior and synergistic effect of the HDPE/RSS mixture are investigated. The activation energy, EA and pre-exponential factor, A are determined based on one step integral method.
Microwave Energy Pretreated In Situ Transesterification of Jatropha Curcas L in the Presence of Phase Transfer Catalyst
Authors: Hailegiorgis Sintayehu Mekuria , Shuhaimi Mahadzir , Subbarao Duvvuri
Published: September 2014

In the present work, microwave heat pretreatment of jatropha curcas seed particles and use of phase transfer catalyst (PTC) to enhance in-situ transesterification were utilized together. It was observed that use of alkaline BTMAOH as a PTC and microwave heat pretreatment of jatropha curcas seed particles had substantially increased the reaction rate of in-situ transesterification as compared to the reaction conducted with microwave untreated seeds in the absence of BTMAOH as a PTC. Statistical model equation was developed to investigate the interaction effect of reaction variables and establish optimum reaction condition. At optimum condition, experimentally obtained FAME yield (93.7±1.53% w/w) was in close agreement with statistical model predicted FAME yield (96.75%) at 38°C and 37 minutes of reaction time.
Ethanol Steam Reforming over Calcium Doped Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Azizan Mohammad Tazli , Hellgardt Klaus , Chadwick David
Published: September 2014

Steam reforming of ethanol has been carried out using a commercial catalyst (Hi-FUEL) of calcium doped nickel/alumina catalyst. Hi-FUEL had successfully reformed ethanol into the desired products at relatively high yield and selectivity. The hydrogen yield of 90.5% has been achieved from this catalyst with almost no ethylene detected. Hi-FUEL is also comparable with other calcium doped nickel/alumina catalyst as reported by other researchers.
Photocatalytic Degradation with WO3/TiO2 Composites under UV and Visible Light
Authors: Ezaki Masato , Michida Wataru , Kusakabe Katsuki
Published: September 2014

Tungsten trioxide and titania composites (WTs) were prepared by acid precipitation following sol-gel method. The photocatalytic activity of WT was evaluated by the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV and visible light irradiation. Effects of dispersion state in the WTs with different composition on the photocatalytic activity were investigated. Highly dispersed agglomerates consisting of monoclinic WO3 and anatase TiO2 nanoparticles were formed. As a result, the WO3/TiO2 photocatalyst with the atomic fraction, W/(W+Ti), of 0.5 showed the highest photocatalytic activity to the MB degradation under UV and visible light irradiation.
Reaction Kinetics of In Situ Methanolysis of Jatropha curcas Seeds
Authors: Prabaningrum Nunung , Ismail Lukman B. , Subbarao Duvvuri
Published: September 2014

In-situ methanolysis of Jatropha curcas had been investigated at various reaction temperatures along with reaction time. Increasing reaction temperature enhanced the yield of biodiesel and shortened the reaction completion. According to shrinking core model, the mechanism of in-situ methanolysis of Jatropha curcas was chemical reaction control with the first-order reaction. The constant of the first-order reaction rate in the range of 5.15×10-9 to 8.78×10-9 m·s-1 and Arrhenius activation energy of 22.66 kJ⋅mol-1 were obtained.
Conversion of Inedible Biomass Wastes as Alternative Petroleum-Related Chemicals Using Iron Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Masuda Takao , Tago Teruoki , Yoshikawa Takuya
Published: September 2014

We developed iron-oxide catalysts for producing petroleum-related chemicals from inedible biomass wastes containing water by oxidative cracking. These catalysts composed basically of iron-oxide and zirconia. The usefulness of the catalysts was examined by the reactions of several inedible biomass wastes, such as palm waste, livestock excreta, fermentation residue, raw glycerin, raw bioethanol and lignin. It was found that ketones, mainly acetone, were produced from palm waste, livestock excreta, fermentation residue and raw bioethanol at high yields. Phenol was obtained from palm waste. In the case of raw glycerin, even if high contents of alkali, allyl-alcohol, propene and acetone were successfully produced. Furthermore, phenols could be recovered from lignin.
 Transesterification of Pongamia pinnata Oil into Biodiesel Using Quick Lime Based Calcium Methoxide as Catalyst
Authors: Panpraneecharoen Sasikarn , Punsuvon Vittaya
Published: September 2014

The calcium methoxide was synthesized as catalyst from quick lime for biodiesel production of Pongamia pinnata (P. pinnata) oil. The catalyst was further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), attenuated total reflection fourier transform (ATR-FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopies (EDX) and BET surface area analysis to evaluate its performance. The parameters affecting the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content such as catalyst concentration, methanol to oil molar ratio and reaction time were investigated. Under optimized reaction condition, the FAME yield at 93.94 % was achieved within 3 h using 3 % wt catalyst concentration, 15:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 65 °C reaction temperature and 750 rpm stirring rate. The result of FAME suggested that calcium methoxide catalyst has promising viability in transesterification for biodiesel production.
Development of Morphology Dependent Titania Nanomaterial for Photo Degradation of Dyes
Authors: Hamzah Nor Hazwani Amir , Chowdhury Sujan , Sufian Suriati , Omar Abdul Aziz , Inayat Abrar
Published: September 2014

Titania nanomaterial flower structure is synthesized through the ionothermal route and is used for the degradation of sulfan blue (SB) through the photo catalysis process. The ionic liquid used is 1-butyl-3-methypyridium dicyanamide ([Bmpm]DCN). The particle sizes and surface morphologies are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). Three types of titania have been compared for their degradation performance, namely commercial titania (TP), titania nanotube (TN), and titania flower (TF). The size of the particle is found to be approximately 33 nm from the FE–SEM analysis. The BET measures the highest surface area of 220 m2 g-1 and pore volume of 0.15 cm3 g-1 for the TF. The degradation of binary dye is more favorable in alkaline solution with pH 14 while varying the dosage of the commercial TiO2 from 0.025–0.2 g reveals an increase in the rate of degradation with optimum dosage is found to be 0.2 g. Results show that TF degradation rate is higher as compared to TP and TN.
Flow Dynamics Investigation of CO2/CH4 Gas Mixture through Porous Media Using Computational Approach
Authors: Qasim Ali , Abdullah M. Zamri , Lau K.K. , Adilla Nor
Published: September 2014

The following study involves the investigation of hydrodynamics inside the packed column both at laboratory scale which is HPVA high pressure adsorption analyzer chamber and pilot scale. The simulations are performed in ANSYS FLUENT14. Velocity variation due to porous media along with the pressure gradient for different adsorbent particle sizes and varying flow rates are obtained and compared for both the scales. Simulation is based on the criterion which identifies the emergence of non-Darcy flow.
Study of the Effect of Surface Roughness on Droplet Spreading Behavior Using CFD Modeling
Authors: Bin Ramli Mohd Syaifullah , Basit Abdul , Ku Shaari Ku Zilati , Keong Lau Kok
Published: September 2014

Water droplet spreading has been simulated at impact velocity of 3.0 m/s, 1.5 m/s and 0.5 m/s on surfaces with texture of ‘triangle’, ‘square’, ‘curve’ as well as smooth surface of aluminum. Higher impact velocity induced the droplet to spread faster and has a bigger diameter. At high impact velocity, spreading factor cannot be determined due to splashing and droplet break ups. In addition, at 1.5 m/s the phenomenon of splashing was found to be almost absent except on the surface with ‘square’ texture. ‘Square’ surface tends to splash earlier compared to other surfaces and is followed by ‘triangle’, ‘curve’ and smooth surface. At low impact velocity, the smooth surface has the highest spreading factor and followed by ‘triangle’, ‘square’ and ‘curve’ surface.
An Integrated Framework for Refinery Scheduling and Operational Optimization
Authors: Siraj Khairiyah Mohd , Yusoff Nooryusmiza , Shuhaimi Mahadzir , Ali Syed Faizan
Published: September 2014

This work deals with an integrated decision at the refinery scheduling and operational optimization levels. Re-scheduling is performed as a means to integrate both of these levels. Results indicate that the total benefit obtained by the proposed integrated method managed to increase 16% of the base case profit.
CFD Study on Syngas Dispersion for Biomass Process Industry
Authors: Kadir Noor Ain Ab , Rusli Risza , Zaina Abidin Noor Azurah
Published: September 2014

Synthesis gas (syngas) refers to a mixture primarily of hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) which may also contain significant but lower concentrations of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as smaller amounts of impurities such as chlorides, sulphur compounds, and heavier hydrocarbons. Available syngas dispersion study found in literatures mostly focused on pure gas dispersion specifically H2 compared to the syngas mixture. It has been reported in most literatures that available commercial tools tend to give an overestimated results for these types of gas since it is more suitable for dense gas rather than the light gas. Therefore, the current study aim to investigate potential dispersion and evaluate the flammability of syngas release from biomass processes using CFD-FLUENT. Results of the mixture simulation is compared with the results obtain from simulation of pure H2 release. When all components in syngas were release together, competition to gain oxygen increased resulting in lesser mixing of syngas-oxygen and increasing the concentration of the syngas mixture. As a result, H2 in syngas concentration is higher compared to pure H2 when accidental release from biomass process.
Optimization of Temperature Rise during CO2 Absorption Process Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: See Tan Lian , Azmi Mohd Shariff , Lau Kok Keong
Published: September 2014

This study aims to optimize the temperature rise during CO2 absorption process using response surface methodology (RSM). Verification experiments were performed using a pilot scale experimental set up to validate the optimization condition generated from RSM analysis. The magnitude of temperature rise was observed to increase with increase of pressure and it was especially significant with the increase of CO2 inlet concentration. However, the increase of temperature with higher CO2 inlet concentration was not very obvious after 60% of CO2 inlet concentration. The predicted values of the optimized temperature rise were generally in good agreement with the actual experimental results and this indicated that the empirical correlation generated was well suited with the experimental results.