bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic and non-seismic soft-sediment deformation structures in the Proterozoic Bhander Limestone, central India
Authors: Sarkar Subir , Choudhuri Adrita , Banerjee Santanu , Van Loon A.J. (Tom) , Bose Pradip K
Published: July 2014

Numerous soft-sediment deformation structures occur within the Proterozoic Bhander Limestone of an intracratonic sag basin in a 750 m long section along the Thomas River, near Maihar, central India. Part of these deformation structures have most probably a non-seismic origin, but other structures are interpreted as resulting from earthquake-induced shocks. These seismic structures are concentrated in a 60 cm thick interval, which is interpreted as three stacked seismi-tes. These three seismites are traceable over the entire length of the section. They divide the sedimentary succession in a lower part (including the seismites) deposited in a hypersaline lagoon, and an upper open-marine (shelf) part. Most of the soft-sediment deformations outside the seismite interval occur in a lagoonal intraclastic and muddy facies association.

The SSDS within the seismite interval show a lateral continuity. They record simultaneous fluidisation and liquefaction. The bases of each of the three composing seismite bands are defined by small-scale shear folds, probably recording an earthquake and aftershocks.

The presence of the three seismite bands at the boundary between the lagoonal and the overlying open-marine oolitic facies association suggests that the seismic event also triggered basin subsidence.
Promoting Well-Being among Veterinary Medical Students: Protocol and Preliminary Findings
Authors: Siqueira Drake Adryanna , Hafen McArthur , Rush Bonnie R.
Published: July 2014

The veterinary medical profession has been the focus of increased concern as students and professionals have been found to be at risk of poor mental health outcomes. Two interventions were proposed as an attempt to improve student well-being individually and within romantic relationships. Preliminary results indicated that students who participated in the interventions experienced significant improvements in decreasing symptoms of depression and stress and relative improvements in relationship satisfaction with their partner. These noteworthy findings provide encouragement for the development of new interventions and future research focused on enhancing veterinary medical students' well-being.
Spatial genetic structure in four understoryPsychotriaspecies (Rubiaceae) and implications for tropical forest diversity
Authors: Theim Terra J. , Shirk Rebecca Y. , Givnish Thomas J.
Published: July 2014

•Premise of the study:Tropical forests are the most species‐rich terrestrial communities on Earth, and understory trees and shrubs comprise a large fraction of their plant species diversity, especially at high rainfalls. The mechanisms responsible for generating such high levels of diversity remain unknown. One hypothesis is that fleshy‐fruited understory species should have limited seed dispersal due to the sedentary nature of their avian dispersers, resulting in restricted gene flow, population differentiation at small spatial scales, and ultimately, high rates of allopatric speciation.

•Methods:We sampled four species of the hyperdiverse tropical shrub genusPsychotria(Rubiaceae) on Barro Colorado Island (BCI) and two nearby sites in Panama. We genotyped each species with AFLPs, assessed genetic differentiation among populations, and determined patterns of fine‐scale spatial genetic structure in the BCI population. Measures of spatial autocorrelation and population density were used to estimate the dispersal distance parameter σ.

•Key results:Regionally, ΦPTvalues ranged from 0.13 to 0.28, reflecting local population differentiation and suggesting that Lake Gatun/Rio Chagres has posed a relatively strong barrier to gene flow. Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure on BCI was stronger than in most canopy trees, and estimated distances of gene flow were unusually low for endozoochorous tropical woody plants, with dispersal distance σ = 9–113 m.

•Conclusions:These results demonstrate comparatively limited gene flow in bird‐dispersed understory species, supporting a hypothesized mechanism for generating high levels of plant species diversity in tropical rain forests, in one of the largest genera of flowering plants on Earth.
Human Enhancement Technologies and Democratic Citizenship
Authors: Gagnon Jean-Paul
Published: July 2014

This chapter articulates that scholars write about Human Enhancement Technologies (HET) in two ways. This is not a reflection of a reality in the literature but rather a heuristic designed to contextualize democratic citizenship within contemporary HET discussions. The first way is to write about HET as possible realities far off into the future. The second way is to write about HET that can be realised seemingly as soon as tomorrow. For democratic citizenship, writing in the first case is either utopian or dystopian. It is either the projection of democracy's total triumph or its utter collapse caused by the type of rots that lead to democide. But writing in the second case is stimulating and vibrant. There are, for example, numerous calls for HET-led reforms in the literature. These reforms are needed to help answer the crisis of the citizen's august discontent (the growing and increasingly legitimized political apathy and political abstention observed in, and performed by, the citizenry). The purpose of this chapter is to focus on this second case—this more developed body of literature—and to theorise the interface between democratic citizenship and HET.
Determinants of Commercial Banks Profitability: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Tariq Waqas , Usman Muhammad , Mir Haseeb Zahid , Aman Inam , Ali Imran
Published: July 2014

As profitability is a comparative measure that describes the associations of total amount of profit with different factors. Thisstudy examines the influence of commercial banks determinants on the performance of commercial banks in Pakistan over the time period from 2004-2010. Consistency in performance is the basic reason for smooth running and presence of every financial institution.Profitability is the most significant and consistent indicator as it contributes huge amount of profitthat ultimately impacts its performance positively. The commercial bank’s profitability is found out by the return on equity (ROE) and net-interest margin(NIM). Result indicates that the capital strength of a bank is utmost significance in affecting its performance, as a well-capitalized bank is observed to be less risky and such edge lead to high profitability. The assets quality, measured by the loans loss provisions, affects the performance of the banks positively and bank size as deposit indicates direct association with profitability as large banks earn more profit instead of small banks. Inflation and NIGI affects the bank’s profitability inversely as increase inflation affects banks cost that increased and its earning main source is its fee that it charge on its services but free services without any charges decrease in gross income that lead a reduction in profit. This study is important and worthwhile for all commercial banks mangers regarding performance decisions of banks. As the development of the banking sector depends profoundly on strong decision making that leads to the efficiency and performance
Scientific Drilling in the South Atlantic
Authors: Santos Roberto Ventura , Glasmacher Ulrich A. , Geldmacher Jörg
Published: July 2014

The South Atlantic is a classic example of continental breakup in which the mechanisms that drove the initial fragmentation still need to be detailed. Mantle plumes may have played a key role in this process, as implied by the Rio Grande Rise (RGR) and Walvis Ridge (WR) hot spot tracks. Their role in the South Atlantic opening is uncertain, as questions remain about their origin and relationship with the structure and dynamics of the upper mantle. Recent findings indicate that the western margin of continental South America did not behave as a rigid block but instead stretched significantly, allowing the emplacement of igneous and exhumed mantle rocks. Continental rifting may have rafted fragments of the continents into the ocean, as implied by recently dredged continental rocks from the RGR.
Seeding cirrus clouds could drive global net cooling
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: July 2014

Cirrus clouds—thin, wispy streamers that form in the upper troposphere when ice crystals nucleate around small dust or metallic particles—have a net warming effect on climate. Previous studies have suggested that seeding cirrus clouds with an overload of dust particles reduces their formation and lifespan, thus leading to a net cooling effect on global climate. Recently, however, research has raised questions regarding how exactly cirrus clouds form, which has implications for seeding strategies.
Photoresponsive Switches at Surfaces Based on Supramolecular Functionalization with Azobenzene–Oligoglycerol Conjugates
Authors: Nachtigall Olaf , Kördel Christian , Urner Leonhard H. , Haag Rainer
Published: July 2014

The synthesis, supramolecular complexation, and switching of new bifunctional azobenzene–oligoglycerol conjugates in different environments is reported. Through the formation of host–guest complexes with surface immobilized β‐cyclodextrin receptors, the bifunctional switches were coupled to gold surfaces. The isomerization of the amphiphilic azobenzene derivatives was examined in solution, on gold nanoparticles, and on planar gold surfaces. The wettability of functionalized gold surfaces can be reversibly switched under light‐illumination with two different wavelengths. Besides the photoisomerization processes and concomitant effects on functionality, the thermal cis to trans isomerization of the conjugates and their complexes was monitored. Thermal half‐lives of the cis isomers were calculated for different environments. Surprisingly, the half‐lives on gold nanoparticles were significantly smaller compared to planar gold surfaces.
Molecular Origin of the Hydrolytic Activity and Fixed Regioselectivity of a ZrIV‐Substituted Polyoxotungstate as Artificial Protease
Authors: Stroobants Karen , Goovaerts Vincent , Absillis Gregory , Bruylants Gilles , Moelants Eva , Proost Paul , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: July 2014

Invited for the front cover of this issue are the groups of Tatjana N. Parac‐Vogt, Department of Chemistry, and of Paul Proost, Department of Microbiology and Immunology at KU Leuven in Belgium as well as the group of Gilles Bruylants at the École Polytechnique ULB, Brussels in Belgium. The image depicts the selective peptide bond hydrolysis of human serum albumin by a ZrIV Wells–Dawson polyoxotungstate at four distinct positions. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201402683.
Switching of Single‐Molecule Magnetic Properties of TbIII–Porphyrin Double‐Decker Complexes and Observation of Their Supramolecular Structures on a Carbon Surface
Authors: Inose Tomoko , Tanaka Daisuke , Tanaka Hirofumi , Ivasenko Oleksandr , Nagata Toshi , Ohta Yusuke , Feyter Steven De , Ishikawa Naoto , Ogawa Takuji
Published: July 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Takuji Ogawa and Daisuke Tanaka at Osaka University. The image depicts porphyrin–TbIII double‐decker complexes with different electronic structures comprising protonated, anionic, and radical forms. The single‐molecular magnetic properties were successfully switched by changing the electronic structures of the complexes. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201402669.
Influence of the Firing Atmosphere on Material Properties of Refractories
Authors: Gehre Patrick , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: July 2014

Die Vergasungstechnologie stellt einen Schlüsselprozess der chemischen und energetischen Industrie dar. Hier wurde die Einsatzfähigkeit neuer Al2O3‐basierter Feuerfestwerkstoffe unter Vergasungsbedingungen untersucht. Dazu wurden in Abhängigkeit der Sinteratmosphäre die thermo‐mechanischen Eigenschaften, die Temperaturwechselbeständigkeit und der Phasenbestand von Al2O3, Al2O3‐ZrO2‐TiO2, MgAl2O4 und CA6 miteinander verglichen. Die Ergebnisse stellen ein wichtiges Werkzeug für Betreiber einer Vergasungsanlage dar, die geeignete Ausmauerungsmaterialien auswählen müssen.
Nitrogen Removal by Ecological Purification and Restoration Engineering in a Polluted River
Authors: Ren Li‐Jun , Wen Teng , Pan Wei , Chen Yu‐shun , Xu Li‐Li , Yu Lu‐Ji , Yu Chun‐Yan , Zhou Yan , An Shu‐Qing
Published: July 2014

Protecting clean water supplies and improving water quality of degraded rivers has become a key environmental issue worldwide because rivers are important water resources. There is an urgent need for appropriate techniques to improve river water quality. Here we test effects of a series of restoration techniques on reducing and eliminating nitrogen (N) in a polluted river. These techniques include (I) constructed wetlands (CWs) restoration, (II) parallel coupling multiple‐stage CW wastewater purification, (III) shallow aquifer infiltration, and (IV) river restoration and ecological water quality improvements. During the restoration period, we monitored loads of total nitrogen (TN), ammonia (NH4+‐N), and nitrate (NO3‐N) along a polluted river that was implemented with the above mentioned restoration techniques. Overall, NH4+‐N, NO3‐N, and TN were reduced by 63.76 ± 31.63, 42.10 ± 5.88, and 78.17 ± 14.68% in the studied river, respectively. The results show that techniques I and IV effectively removed N. Technique II was most effective in NH4+‐N removal but may be site‐specific.
Lowest Singlet Exciton in Pentacene: Modern Calculations versus Classic Experiments
Authors: Pac Barbara , Petelenz Piotr
Published: July 2014

Based on simple model calculations, the expected magnitude of the field‐induced shift observable in electroabsorption is estimated for three alternative assignments proposed in the literature for the lowest singlet excitation of the pentacene crystal (pure Frenkel exciton, pure charge‐transfer exciton, or a mixture of both). The results are compared with the corresponding experimental value, which is also known from the literature. The latter turns out to be compatible only with the mixed parentage of the pertinent state, which contains the charge‐transfer contribution in the range from 25 to 70 %. The conclusion is discussed in the context of the present controversies concerning the existing experimental and theoretical evidence on this subject.
Synthesis, Aggregation‐Induced Emission, and Electroluminescence of Dibenzothiophene‐ and Dibenzofuran‐Containing Tetraarylethenes
Authors: Xie Ni , Liu Yang , Hu Rongrong , Leung Nelson L. C. , Arseneault Mathieu , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2014

Dibenzothiophene‐ and dibenzofuran‐functionalized ethanes were synthesized by the McMurry coupling reaction. The luminogens are faintly emissive when molecularly dissolved in good solvents, but emit intensively when aggregated as nanoparticles in poor solvents or fabricated as solid thin films, demonstrating the phenomenon of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). Their organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) applications were explored, utilizing the AIE effect. Electroluminescence devices with the configuration of indium tin oxide (ITO)/N,N′‐di(1‐naphthyl)‐N,N′‐diphenyl‐(1,1′‐biphenyl)‐4,4′‐diamine (NPB; 60 nm)/dye (20 nm)/1,3,5‐tri(1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)phenyl (TPBi; 10 nm)/tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3; 30 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (100 nm) were fabricated. The OLED device emits at 510 nm with a maximum luminescence and external quantum efficiency of 104 cd/m2 and 2.1 %, respectively. The OLED behavior of the E/Z isomers was also studied.
An Exploration of Rapists' Motivations as Illustrated by Their Crime Scene Actions: Is the Gender of the Victim an Influential Factor?
Authors: Jamel Joanna
Published: July 2014

An aim of this paper was to examine if the rapist's motivations of anger and power as inferred from rape crime scene behaviours differentiates between rape victim genders. In addition, it was sought to analyse the resistance strategies employed by rape victims to investigate whether gender influences victim–offender behavioural interactions. A sample of 24 female and 12 male rape victims aged from 13 to 39 years were analysed. The data were extracted from the US National Crime Survey, which contained 12 reported cases of male rape. It was hypothesised that the theme of power would be evident from the rapists' behaviour as illustrated by the crime scene actions and victim–offender interaction. Smallest Space Analysis, a multi‐dimensional scaling technique, was employed to identify the themes present in the perpetration of rape. The crime scene actions illustrated several distinctions relating to the theme of power present in the offender's motives irrespective of the victim's gender. An additional finding was that victim resistance strategies differentiated between male and female rape victims. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chapter 2: Pathophysiology of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and the symptom complex of “Overactive bladder”
Authors: Chapple Christopher
Published: July 2014

It is now clearly recognized that the function of the lower urinary tract represents a complex interaction between the bladder and its outlet, acting under the control of the central nervous system. While in the past attention has principally focused on the motor (efferent) control of the bladder, sensory (afferent) innervation is now known to be an important therapeutic target. This change in emphasis is strongly supported by both basic science and clinical evidence demonstrating the efficacy of therapy directed at the afferent system. This chapter summarizes the neurophysiological control mechanism that underpins normal lower urinary tract function, emphasizing the importance of the afferent system as a potential therapeutic target. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:S6–S13, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discrete conformations of epitope II on the hepatitis C virus E2 protein for antibody-mediated neutralization and nonneutralization
Authors: Deng Lu , Ma Li , Virata Maria Luisa , Zhong Lilin , Yan Hailing , Zhao Zhong , Struble Evi , Feinstone Stephen , Alter Harvey , Zhang Pei
Published: July 2014

Significance

X-ray crystallographic analysis revealed that one of the critical antibody-binding sites on the hepatitis C virus exists in different shapes. The structural transition among these shapes is governed by a highly conserved glycine residue that serves as a flexible joint connecting the two essential parts of the binding site; that is, the C-terminal α-helix and the N-terminal loop. It is the particular spatial arrangement of these parts that determines the specificity of antibody recognition and, consequently, the outcome of either neutralization or nonneutralization of the virus. These structural insights may be beneficial for the immune prophylaxis and treatment of HCV infections.
Political aspects of repatriation: Germany, Russia, Kazakhstan. A comparative analysis
Authors: Zeveleva Olga
Published: July 2014

This paper is based on a study which compares repatriation policies of Germany, Russia, and Kazakhstan. The choice of cases is based on a “most similar case design.” The Russian case results in unsuccessful and unsustainable repatriation, the German case exhibits a change from sustainable repatriation to a slow termination of the program, while the case of Kazakhstan is one of sustainable and relatively successful repatriation. The main argument of the paper is that in order for a repatriation program to be sustainable, the program must contain both a practical component and an ideological component. If a repatriation program lacks ideological backing which permeates other aspects of political life in a state, then the repatriation program grinds to a halt. If a repatriation program has ideological backing, but is rendered impractical and does not meet the economic, demographic and labor market needs of a state, then the further development of the program stops. The findings of this study merit further reflection on issues of changing national identities, on transnational migration pathways, and on the “post-Soviet condition” which has set the stage for all of the aforementioned processes and transformations.
Imaging the Networks of Consciousness
Authors: Papanicolaou Andrew C.
Published: July 2014

This chapter addresses and reconciles often conflicting conclusions published in the professional functional neuroimaging literature regarding the neuronal networks that may mediate consciousness viewed as a function, as well as neuronal circuits that represent specific products of that function, such as concepts, percepts, and experiences that are also referred to as the “contents” or the constituents of the stream of consciousness. The relevant literature is critically reviewed in order to answer the following questions: First, whether and to what degree consciousness-specific networks have been visualized and what are the prospects of their further specification in the future; second, whether imaging of resting neuronal networks can be used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in cases of compromised consciousness among comatose patients or patients in the vegetative state; and third, whether visualization of the neuronal circuits that represent knowledge in the form of concepts and intentions is feasible.
Interest Groups
Authors: Roof Tracy
Published: July 2014

This chapter examines the role of interest groups in shaping American social welfare policy. It outlines major theories and findings on interest group influence in American politics and comparative welfare state development and examines the activities and influence of major categories of groups, including business, labor, agriculture, professional associations, intergovernmental organizations, and citizens’ groups. Although many interest groups have helped secure policies that form a limited social safety net, this chapter suggests that the competition among a diverse array of interest groups in a fragmented political system makes policy change difficult. This tendency towards gridlock, which favors the interests of some groups over others, has constrained the size and redistribution of the American welfare state.
The Fragmented American Welfare State
Authors: Béland Daniel , Howard Christopher , Morgan Kimberly J.
Published: July 2014

In the United States, the welfare state has long been a source of political and academic debate, and this volume pulls together much of our current knowledge about its origins, development, functions, and challenges. This introductory chapter provides an overview of the volume’s main themes and sections. For example, many of the following chapters emphasize the public-private mix in social policy, in which the government helps certain groups of citizens directly (e.g., through social insurance) or indirectly (e.g., through tax expenditures and regulations). Many chapters stress disjointed patterns of policy-making, which can lead simultaneously to problems of high cost and low impact on poverty and inequality. Even under a variety of stresses, however, much of the American welfare state remains quite resilient. The contributing authors are experts from political science, sociology, history, economics, and other social sciences.
Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI) expression downregulates E‐cadherin, induces β‐catenin re‐localisation and triggers apoptosis‐related events in breast cancer cells
Authors: Rosso Marina , Lapyckyj Lara , Amiano Nicolás , Besso María José , Sánchez Mercedes , Chuluyan Eduardo , Vazquez‐Levin Mónica Hebe
Published: July 2014

Background Information

Epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin) is involved in cell–cell adhesion through its extracellular domain, whereas the intracellular domain interacts with adaptor proteins, i.e. β‐catenin, links E‐cadherin to the actin cytoskeleton and participates in signal transduction events. E‐cadherin protects mammary epithelial cells from apoptosis and its loss during tumour progression has been documented. Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI) has anti‐ and pro‐tumourigenic activities but its role in breast cancer has not been fully elucidated. Notwithstanding its relevance, how SLPI affects E‐cadherin in breast cancer is still unknown. This study evaluated the effect of SLPI upon E‐cadherin/β‐catenin expression and apoptosis‐related markers in murine (F3II) and human (MCF‐7) breast tumour cells either treated with exogenous recombinant human SLPI (rhSLPI) or stably transfected with a plasmid encoding its sequence.

Results

Addition of rhSLPI to F3II cells caused a decrease (P < 0.05) in E‐cadherin transcript and protein levels. Similar results were observed in SLPI‐stable F3II transfectants (2C1), and treatment of 2C1 cells with a siRNA toward SLPI restored E‐cadherin to control levels. SLPI‐expressing cells showed disruption of E‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex and increased (P < 0.05) percentage of cells depicting nuclear β‐catenin localisation. Associated to these changes, 2C1 cells showed increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and p21 protein levels, decreased c‐Myc protein levels and decreased Cyclin D1 and Claudin‐1 transcript levels. No differences in N‐ and P‐cadherin were observed between SLPI‐transfected cells and controls. Addition of rhSLPI to MCF‐7 cells or stable transfection with SLPI caused a decrease (P < 0.05) in E‐cadherin expression (transcript/protein) and its redistribution to the cytoplasm, as well as β‐catenin re‐localisation to the cell nucleus.

Conclusions

Expression of SLPI was associated to a decrease in E‐cadherin expression and re‐localisation of E‐cadherin to the cell cytoplasm and β‐catenin to the cell cytoplasm and nucleus, and had pro‐apoptotic and cell cycle‐arrest effects.
Confinement and exclusion in the monasteries of sixth‐century Gaul
Authors: Dailey E.T.
Published: July 2014

During the sixth century, some monasteries in Gaul began to strictly exclude women from areas within their grounds, while some convents began to take an uncompromising approach to the confinement of women, refusing to permit them to leave for any reason. Evidence for this appears in both monastic rules and ecclesiastical legislation, although it is clear that no single approach was applied consistently or ubiquitously. Indeed, as an analysis of the writings of Gregory of Tours demonstrates, there was a variety of approaches to the issue of secluding monks and nuns from the influences of the outside world, as well as different motives for adopting or resisting such developments as they took shape over the course of the century. This article attempts to reconstruct this variety of practice by comparing the rules and legislation with Gregory's works, with particular focus on the confinement and exclusion of women.
Ranking Underwriters of European IPOs
Authors: Migliorati Katrin , Vismara Silvio
Published: July 2014

Reputational capital is a valuable asset for underwriters in IPO markets. Existing measures of their reputation are tailored to the US market, where the same established investment banks typically handle IPOs on both the NYSE and NASDAQ. The widely used Carter‐Manaster rankings do not grade the reputations of underwriters of 67.5% of IPOs in Europe. The European IPO market is a series of domestic markets, where most underwriters operate almost entirely in a single country. This paper presents European‐based rankings of 260 underwriters of 3,776 IPOs in France, Italy, Germany, and the UK from 1995 to 2010, with the number of IPOs underwritten and the amount of capital raised.
Supervised independent component analysis as an alternative method for genomic selection in pigs
Authors: Azevedo C.F. , Silva F.F. , de Resende M.D.V. , Lopes M.S. , Duijvesteijn N. , Guimarães S.E.F. , Lopes P.S. , Kelly M.J. , Viana J.M.S. , Knol E.F.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of the supervised independent component regression (SICR) method for the estimation of genomic values and the SNP marker effects for boar taint and carcass traits in pigs. The methods were evaluated via the agreement between the predicted genetic values and the corrected phenotypes observed by cross‐validation. These values were also compared with other methods generally used for the same purposes, such as RR‐BLUP, SPCR, SPLS, ICR, PCR and PLS. The SICR method was found to have the most accurate prediction values.
Irradiated Water-activated Waste Tyre Powder for Decolourization of Reactive Orange 16
Authors: Ahmad Zaini Muhammad Abbas , Chai Li Lily Wong , Kamaruddin Mohd. Johari , Mohd. Setapar Siti Hamidah , Che Yunus Mohd. Azizi
Published: July 2014

The present study was aimed to characterize the adsorptive properties of waste tyre powder based activated carbons for decolourization of reactive orange 16 (RO16). Waste tyre powder was activated through irradiated water environment (MAC). Comparison was made by conventional chemical activation using calcium chloride (CAC) and recovered calcium chloride from the first activation (RAC). Activated carbons were characterized according to surface area, morphology and functional groups. The values of surface area were recorded as 95.9, 111, 80.9m2/g for MAC, CAC and RAC, respectively. The decolourization of RO16 was observed to have the following order: MAC>CAC>RAC. Adsorption data for all activated carbons studied obeyed Langmuir isotherm for which the process could be described as monolayer adsorption. The kinetics data were well-fitted to pseudo-second-order model, suggesting the chemisorption process.
Development of HPLC Fingerprint Analysis of Traditional Diabetes Herbal Jamu Diabetes Plant Materials
Authors: Shams Gholamhossein , Ismail Hassan Fahmi , Liam Chee Teh , Ali M Abbas , Abdul Majid Fadzilah Adibah , Sarmidi Mohamad Roji , Abdul Aziz Ramlan
Published: July 2014

Selective and efficient analytical methods are required not only for quality assurance but also for authentication of herbal formulations. In the present study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detection was developed for chromatographic fingerprint analysis of the extract from grounded plant materials of Jamu Diabetes (JD), a well known herbal formulation in Malaysia. The bioactive markers rosmarinic acid, curcumin, cinnamaldehyde and andrographolide were identified from the methanol/water (80:20) extract of JD materials. The data presented in this study showed that the developed method is simple, sensitive and specific for simultaneous determination of the indicated marker compounds either qualitatively or quantitatively, and may be used as a fingerprint profile for the standardization of extractives or herbal medicines from herbal formulation JD materials.
The Optimization of Interface Interactivity using Gesture Prediction Engine
Authors: Babaei Mahdi , Chee Onn Wong , Yan Peng Lim
Published: July 2014

The primary objective of this project is to develop a gesture recognition engine for interactive interfaces using Microsoft Kinect device. A photo album is a sample of daily-use applications that is capable of having interactive interface. In this project there are features implemented to help users to view and edit their photos on the easier way. Although the 3D interface of photo album increases the reality and easy to use, simplicity of natural gestures which are recognizing by the gesture recognition engine eases the interaction. The contribution of this project is simultaneous work of a prediction and recognition engine. The algorithm benefits a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) state machine to record, update and calculate the occurrence probability of each gesture as a state in relation with previous states. It also aims to solve a major problem of interaction with the same applications which were their dependence on using devices physically and touch them directly. The optimized model had tested in an interactive digital space.
Surface Roughness and Chip Formation of AlSi/AIN Metal Matrix Composite by End Milling Machining using the Taguchi Method
Authors: Said M. S. , Ghani J. A. , Othman R. , Selamat M. A. , Wan N. N. , C. H. Che Hassan,
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate surface roughness and chip formation by the machining of Aluminium silicon alloy (AlSic) matrix composite, reinforced with aluminium nitride (AlN), with three types of carbide inserts present. Experiments were conducted at various cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cut, according to the Taguchi method, using a standard orthogonal array L9 (34). The effects of cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cut, and types of tool on surface roughness during the milling operation were evaluated using Taguchi optimization methodology, using the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. The surface finish produced is very important in determining whether the quality of the machined part is within specification and permissible tolerance limits. It is understood that chip formation is a fundamental element that influences tool performance. The analysis of chip formation was done using a Sometech SV-35 video microscope. The analysis of results, using the S/N ratio, concluded that a combination of low feed rate, low depth of cut, medium cutting speed, and an uncoated tool, gave a remarkable surface finish. The chips formed from the experiment varied from semi–continuous to discontinuous.
A Comparative Bibilometric Analysis of Taguchi-Centered Optimization in Plastic Injection Moulding
Authors: Bariran S. E. S. , Sahari K. S. M.
Published: July 2014

Plastic injection molding is one of the most common methods of part manufacturing. Different optimization techniques are commonly used in this industry to satisfy for the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) characteristics of the injection process. The primary objective of this study is to provide a comparative Bibliometric analysis on injection molding process optimization during the previous decade based on the top seven methodologies found in the literature. Triple criteria of chronological trend, geographical dispersion and academic reputation are used for evaluating the overall performance of each method as well as each hybrid set. The survey will also include two complementary analyses for the Taguchi based methods. Firstly, a signal to noise ratio (SNR) analysis, followed by a secondary analysis of the average number of control and response factors as well as the orthogonal array levels used in the experimental design will be conducted. The results of the study reveal that Taguchi Method (TM), GA and RSM are the three most popular optimization techniques used in plastic injection molding worldwide. TM is also proved to be a better optimization tool when combined with other heuristic methods such as ANN and GA, especially in the field of product and mould design. For processing parameters, Taguchi still remains to be the core optimization technique.
Optimization of the Paper Permeability Tester using Robust Design
Authors: Watanabe K. , Miyagi Z. , Dolah R. , Takahashi K.
Published: July 2014

This paper is using practical case study of robust design engineering. Effect of control factors and optimum condition is studied to design a more robust Paper Permeability Tester. In this study, robustness means decreasing uncertainty that is validity of measurement results with the Tester. Robustness is required to ensure the reliabilityfor the measurement results in the field of the measurement tester. Thus, orthogonal array L18 is employed and the optimum condition was obtained for decreasing the measurement dispersion. Experiment reproducibility of Signal-to-Noise Ratio and sensitivity were confirmed within 20%. SNR value is linearly depends on air permeance value. When the value of air permeance is small, it tends to provide small SNR. Flow rate in nozzle was considered as a major cause. Stability of flow in the nozzle is significant to design the Tester to be more robustness.In a case of a flow under the rapidly, SNR is small due unstable flow. Sensitivity with nozzle diameter was dramatically large. Nozzle specification tolerance wasfound to have strong influence on measurement result.
Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide on Monoethanolamine (MEA)–Impregnated Kenaf Core Fiber by Pressure Swing Adsorption System (PSA)
Authors: Zaini Nabilah , Kamarudin Khairul Sozana Nor
Published: July 2014

Emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) becomes a major concern in combating issues of global warming. The strategy to reduce the concentration of CO2 could be achieved by executing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology such as adsorption. This study presents the used of kenaf as a green source for CO2 adsorption material. The modification of MEA on kenaf is a novelty work to enhance the capacity of adsorbent since MEA has been proved to have potential in separating CO2 in industrial applications. In this work, 10 wt % of MEA has been impregnated on kenaf via wet impregnation method. The adsorption of CO2 study was conducted by passing CO2/N2 mixture in a ratio of 30:70 in a Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) system with a pressure up to 1.5 bar at ambient temperature. Result obtained via SEM analysis shows that the morphology of kenaf was affected after modification with MEA. However, the presence of MEA on kenaf has improved the CO2 adsorption capacity by 16 %. In addition, the adsorption equilibrium data for kenaf and MEA modified kenaf are well fitted in Freundlich isotherm model at low pressure and well fitted in Langmuir model at higher pressure. This study indicates that the introduction of MEA on kenaf could enhance the CO2 adsorption process.
The Innovation of Labu Sayong Manufacturing Technology: A Technical Analysis
Authors: Haron Hamdzun , Abd Mutalib Narimah
Published: July 2014

Labu Sayong or also known as Labu Picit (pinched clay pitcher) is one of Malay potteries craft heritage originated from the state of Perak. This hand-crafted work has the specialties of its own. The stored water in the clay pitcher is colder than usual and it is believed that the water can refresh the body when consumed. Labu Sayong is an adaptation of a gourd and served as a symbol of intellectuals of the Malays in the past. It is produced through several traditional processes in stages and it takes some time to complete. This factor may cause its extinction. Therefore, many entrepreneurs have switched to a new innovation in the manufacturing process. Now, Labu Sayong has been produced by using moulds and it is called Labu Acu or cast clay pitcher. This innovation can produce commercialized product and the process is more productive than the traditional ways. To take these matters into consideration, the author used qualitative research method by using cultural approach in collecting written or visual data such as interviews and observation. An analysis of the technical aspects has found that the casting technique has successfully improved the quality and quantity of Labu Sayong which meets market demands. It is hoped this paper will give a certain amount of knowledge and facts that the manufacturing process of Labu Sayong is now going through a technological innovation. Innovation is crucial to ensure that Malay heritage will continue to exist and will never lost in the advanced technological era.
Robust Multi-Dimensional Trust Computing Mechanism for Cloud Computing
Authors: Firdhous Mohamed , Ghazali Osman , Hassan Suhaidi
Published: July 2014

Cloud computing has become the most promising way of purchasing computing resources over the Internet. The main advantage of .cloud computing is its economic advantages over the traditional computing resource provisioning. For cloud computing to become acceptable to wider audience, it is necessary to maintain the quality of service (QoS) commitments specified in the service level agreement. In this paper, the authors propose a robust multi-level trust computing mechanism that can be used to track the performance of cloud systems using multiple QoS attributes. In addition, tests carried out show that the proposed mechanism is more robust than the ones published in the literature.
A Technique of Scan Blindness Elimination for Planar Phased Array Antenna using Miniaturized EBG
Authors: Isa M. S. M. , Langley R. J. , Khamas S. , Isa A. A. M. , Zin M. S. I. M. , Zakaria Z. , Haron N. Z. , Ahmad A.
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the planar phased array antenna scan blindness characteristic has been analyzed and a novel technique of eliminating the scan blindness for the phased array antenna has been introduced. The scan blindness of the center element has been used to present the entire phased array characteristic. The array scan blindness characteristics have been simulated and analyzed using CST Microwave Studio (CST MWS). The 5×3 planar phased array antenna radiation patterns against the pattern elevation angle direction has been simulated and compiled. The array’s scan blindness has been determined at the angle of approximately 47⁰. The miniaturized capacitive loaded Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) has been developed and introduced between the array elements to eliminate the problem. Based on the simulated results, it is shown that the use of a miniaturized EBG is effective in reducing the surface wave effects and eliminates the scan blindness in the array radiation pattern. This novel finding is very useful to improve the antenna directive efficiency for the directional radar and satellite application.
Global Positioning System (GPS) Positioning Errors During Ionospheric Scintillation Event
Authors: Ho Y. H. , Abdullah S. , Mokhtar M. H.
Published: July 2014

As technology advancement progresses throughout the years in this modern age, every technology has its part to play in that the world is moving towards a brighter future. GPS (Global Positioning System) has diverse application in current globalized world, its application has pervasive benefits not only to navigation and positioning, it is pivotal in industries like logistics, shipping, financial services and agriculture. Since the decision to shut down the Selectivity Availability (SA) by former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, ionospheric effect is now the primary concern of error contributing factors in GPS. Ionospheric scintillation induces rapid fluctuations in the phase and the amplitude of received Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. These rapid fluctuations or scintillation potentially introduce cycle slips, degrade range measurements, and if severe enough lead to loss of lock in phase and code. Global Ionospheric Scintillation Model (GISM) was used to compute amplitude scintillation parameter for each GPS satellite visible from Melaka, Malaysia (Latitude 20 14’ N, Longitude 1020 16’ E) as its location has strong equatorial scintillation behavior. The output data from GISM was then used to calculate the positioning error where it is depends on the Dilution of Precision (DOP) and User Equivalent Range Error (UERE). There are two schemes that were used. First, the positioning error was calculated for all the visible satellites with better DOP but worse UERE due to scintillation event. Secondly, the positioning error was calculated for those satellites that have amplitude scintillation index, S4 < 0.7 which leads to worse DOP with better UERE. Comparison of results from the both schemes was then made.
Feasibility Study of Tablet PC Acceptance Among School Children in Malaysia
Authors: G B Elyazgi Moamar , Mahrin Mohd Naz’ri , Ab. Rahim Nor Zairah , Imtiaz Md Athar
Published: July 2014

Nowadays the use of Tablet Personal Computer (TPC) as a medium of imparting education is gaining popularity among students and teachers. However, limited studies on school children have been conducted on their acceptance of Tablet PCs. Therefore, technology acceptance of TPC by 8th grade school children in Malaysia was studied in this research. The various benefits and current research pattern of TPC in education is described. Then, a mixed mode (quantitative and qualitative) study using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and informal conversational interviews was done to analyse the acceptance and usage of TPC among school children at a private school in Malaysia. The results of this study show that only 46% of the 8th grade students intend to use Tablet PC in the future. The results from this feasibility analyses are discussed and a future research is suggested.
A Review of Corrosion Assessment Model and Parameters of Drinking Water Distribution Pipelines
Authors: Septe Edi , Naumar Afrizal , Mohammed Abdul Hakim
Published: July 2014

Corrosion assessment is an important aspect in asset and facilities management. Generally the purpose of corrosion assessment is to assure the activities of the management will be effective and efficient. Lack of corrosion assessment can be decrease the function and reduce the life cycle of assets and facilities caused by corrosion. Corrosion is an electrochemical or chemical reaction between a material, usually a metal, and its environment that produces a deterioration of the material and its properties. Even though most of the dangers from corrosion occurs in major industrial plant, corrosion also has a great impact on the drinking water industry. In drinking water distribution pipelines, corrosion damage cause the leakages of distribution pipelines and around 30% of water supplied to consumers is lost. Most of the leakages of drinking water distribution pipelines are initiated by lack of corrosion assessment and poor maintenance because the pipes are usually located underground. To overcome this problem, an effective corrosion assessment method is imperative to get the accurate information about the condition of the pipelines. This will ensure better decisions for repair or replacement of the pipelines before they fail. This review paper describes the corrosion assessment model and the major parameters considered for drinking water distribution pipelines.
Carbon Matrix as a Surrogate Measure for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Pollution in Road Sediments
Authors: Yakubu Mahadi Lawan , Yusop Zulkifli
Published: July 2014

The influence of road sediment on pollution prevalence was well documented. However, the accumulation rate of an organic matrix on impervious surfaces which could be used as a surrogate measure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) availability has not been given desired attention. This paper presents a first glimpse of the influence of consecutive dry days on the buildup of the organic matrix on a different road type, and how the most important measure of the organic matrix could be used as a precursor for the availability of PAH. The total organic carbon shows high variability between roads of different surface type and conditions. The role of road sweeping on inorganic and organic content of road deposits has also been discussed. The road deteriorating surface condition indicated a stronger correlation with carbon matrices deposit on road sediment, which is a vector for pollution courier on sealed surfaces.
Fabrication of Sr silicate buffer layer on Si(100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition using a SrO target
Authors: Imanaka Atsuhiro , Sasaki Tsubasa , Hotta Yasushi , Satoh Shin-ichi
Published: July 2014

The authors fabricated 2 × 1 Sr-reconstructed Si(100) substrates using thin SrO layers, and used them to direct growth of crystalline perovskite oxide on Si. The SrO layers used to reconstruct the Si(100) substrates were grown by pulsed laser deposition from a SrO single crystal target, followed by postdeposition-annealing (PDA) of the SrO/Si(100) structure. In situ observations of reflective high-energy electron diffraction during PDA confirmed a 2 × 1 reconstruction of the Si surface and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy of the annealed samples confirmed the existence of Sr atoms in a silicate phase, which indicated that a 2 × 1 Sr-reconstructed Si surface was achieved. The optimal fabrication conditions were annealing at 720 °C for 1 min and an equivalent SrO layer thickness (MLeq) of 2.5 MLeq. The temperature condition was very narrow, at 720 ± 20 °C, for an acceptable product. Subsequently, the authors demonstrated the growth of crystalline SrTiO3 films on the 2 × 1 Sr-reconstructed Si(100) surfaces.