bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION OF COLD-FORMED STEEL (CFS) SECTION WITH HIGH STRENGTH BOLTED SHEAR CONNECTOR
Authors: Muhammad Lawan Mustapha , Md. Tahir Mahmood , Osman Mohd. Hanim
Published: December 2015

Composite construction is well known to be effectively used in the construction of buildings and bridges using hot rolled steel (HRS) and headed studs connectors. The shear connectors provides the enhancement as established in current design codes. In this paper, the shear connection mechanism was proposed using high strength bolted shear connector to provide composite action between concrete and the steel section. The conventional headed stud shear connector was eliminated since Cold-formed steel (CFS) was used and welding was not practically possible due to thinness nature of the CFS section. Therefore, in this study investigation was carried out on the strength capacity, ductility and the ultimate flexural capacity of the proposed high strength bolted shear connector and the composite beam specimens respectively. Four push-out and two full-scale composite beam specimens were fabricated using high strength M16 bolted shear connector of Grade 8.8 connected to the top flanges of the CFS I-section and tested to failure using push-out and four-point bending tests respectively. The results show that ultimate load and ultimate moment capacities of the proposed system were significantly improved by using the proposed connectors. The experimental results were compared with theoretical results based on the provision of Eurocode 4, and good agreement between the results was observed. In conclusion, compared results proved that the ultimate moment capacity of the proposed composite beams can be estimated efficiently by using the constitutive laws as prescribed by Eurocodes and British standards.
EFFECTS OF NANOPARTICLE FILLER ON THERMO-PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF RATTAN POWDER-FILLED POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES
Authors: Nikmatin Siti , Syafiuddin Achmad , Hong Kueh Ahmad Beng , Purwanto Yohanes Aris
Published: December 2015

Poor bonding with its accompanying matrix remains the major factor that inhibits the widespread use of natural fiber as filler for composite materials. Recent literature has suggested that this matter can be addressed by applying fillers in nanometer size. Thus, the present study is carried out to investigate the effects of incorporating rattan powder of nanoparticle size into polypropylene (PP) on its thermo-physical properties. Production methodology of nanoparticle, particle analysis, morphological study, and thermal analysis were carried out and discussed. The composites were produced using the twin extrusion moulding. The production of nanoparticle was found optimal under 30 minutes of milling time, confirmed by means of particle analyzer and morphological inspection. Better thermal stability was found in PP reinforced with 5% rattan nanoparticle filler compared to the neat PP and PP with 10% glass fiber.
INSPECTION BY ULTRASONIC TOMOGRAPHY (UT) LEADING TREND IN WELDING JOINT MONITORING
Authors: Abd. Rahman Noor Amizan , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Mohd Yunus Fazlul Rahman , Fazalul Rahiman Mohd Hafiz , Ahmad Nasarudin , Ahmad Anita , Md Yunus Mohd Amri , Abas Khairul Hamimah , Pei Ling Leow , Zakaria Zulkarnay
Published: December 2015

Welding work is a connection process between the structure and the materials. This process is used in the construction, maintenance and repair especially mechanical engineering. This study discusses the type of welding used in the industry, mainly involving the pipeline welds. On-demand need to every work process when finishing weld requires quality tests to ensure compliance to the standards required. Monitoring through the display image has long been used in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Various methods of monitoring used in NDT focused on Ultrasonic Tomography (UT) as a method used in NDT and as an option for the future. Previous imaging result was in two-dimensional (2D) and then upgraded to a three-dimensional image (3D). Besides, there is potential of 3D imaging beyond the existing limits in terms of size, material thickness, especially for welding steel pipes. Achievement through research of existing pipe size so far outside diameter of 200 mm and a thickness of 5.8 mm should be limited in view of the obstacles to enhanced image resolution is less effective when compared to other tomography methods.
ANALYSIS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LED AND LASER DIODE WITH CHARGE COUPLED DEVICE (CCD) LINEAR SENSOR MEASURING DIAMETER OF OBJECT
Authors: Jamaludin Juliza , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Abdul Rahim Herlina , Rahiman Hafiz Fazalul , Mohd Muji Siti Zarina , Jumaah Mohd Fahjumi , Mohd Fadzil Naizatul Shima , Ahmad Nasaruddin , Sahlan Shafishuaza , Ahmad Anita , Yunus Yusri , Abas Khairul Hamimah
Published: December 2015

Simple experiment measuring diameter of a solid object (coin) using LED and laser diode with Charge Coupled Device (CCD) linear sensor was conducted in this early stage study. Mostly, CCD and laser diode system are higher in cost because CCD used in industries equipped with an anti blooming protection system to protect the CCD pixel from receiving too high laser light intensities. Low cost atomic laser (Helium: Neon 10:1) with simple modification on light propagation is introduced. Combination of fan beam and parallel beam projection helps to reduce light intensities and expand laser light coverage area. Statistical analyses based on dot plot graph, Anderson Darling test and T-test were applied to choose the best transmitter for Charge Coupled Device (CCD) sensor. Based on T-test results with 95% confidence interval, low intensity laser diode for 5 and 10 cent diameter measurement gave P-value greater than 0.05, accepts laser as the best transmitter compared to LED. Single sensor data for LED and laser used for image reconstruction as an additional approach to prove the above result.
MINIATURE PARALLEL ECT: A PRELIMINARY STUDY USING COMSOL
Authors: Abd Rashid Wan Norhisyam , Mohmad Elmy Johana , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Mahmad Ameran Hanis Liyana , Abdullah Jaafar , Mohamad Mimi Mohaffyza , Hashim Hairulazwan , Shaib Mohd Fadzli , Marwah Omar Mohd. Faizan
Published: December 2015

The usage of Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) is not limited to the imaging of mixtures in process equipment, it also can be used to measure the concentration profiles of component, and in certain case ECT is being used to investigate the boundaries and phase sizes within vessels and pipelines. There are quite a number of type of ECT sensors such as circular structure, square structure, concentric -annulus and parallel structure which are used for particular applications. In this paper, a study was carried out in order to investigate the behavior of electric field on the miniature parallel ECT. Simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics are being done to study the effect of increasing the size of the test object and the effect of increasing the permittivity of the test object. The results show that (1) the electric field lines relatively follow the phantom shape corresponding to the increasing of the size of the phantom and (2) the electrical field lines seems to bend more around the when the permittivity increases. Presented simulations establish first step of investigation, however already proved its usefulness for ECT performance model validation.
A THIRD GENERATION GAMMA-RAY INDUSTRIAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEMS FOR PIPELINE INSPECTION
Authors: The Duy Dang Nguyen , Huu Quang Nguyen , Van Dao Pham , Trong Duy Bui , Van Chuan Nguyen
Published: December 2015

This paper introduces an industrial CT system of compact fan beam configuration which was designed and fabricated by Centre for Applications of Nuclear Technique in Industry (CANTI) for inspecting pipe and small scale industrial equipment. The system utilizes a Cs-137 or Se-75 isotopic source. The source is contained in a fan beam collimator made of lead. The slit size of the source collimator is 10 mm in width in the axial direction and the opening angle of the fan beam is 900. Twelve ½ inch x 1 inch NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors and multiple SCAs (Single Chanel Analyzer) are used to set up the detection system. Filtered Back Projection (FBP) and Expectation Maximization (EM) algorithms were used for reconstruction of CT images. Having compact configuration of third generation CT, the size of gantry is 900 mm which enable to scan an object with diameter of 600 mm whereas the detector arc in a conventional third generation configuration must be at least 1200mm to cover the same object.
APPLICATION OF ELECTRICAL CAPACITANCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR DENSE CROSS-SECTIONAL PARTICLE MIGRATION IN A MICROCHANNEL
Authors: Ali Othman Nur Tantiyani , Takei Masahiro
Published: December 2015

In microfluidic applications, in order to produce the high yield of desired product, the study of particle migration is very important to enhancement and increases the efficiency of positioning and sorting process. One of an effective and robust method for visualization imaging, passively positioning and sorting microparticles and cells without the assistance of sheath fluid is electrical capacitance. In this study, to study the behavior of particle migration, a fine particle concentration in a cross-sectional microchannel is determined for the high dense initial particle concentrations (ξ=10.0%) and small particle diameters (dp= 2.1 μm) by using a high speed multiplexer and 12 multi-layer electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensing to discuss the stream migration along five cross-sections. The polystyrene particles as solid phase and non-conductive deionized water as a liquid phase are non-uniformly injected into the inlets microchannel. From the electrical capacitance distribution, the tomography images that show the equilibrium particle migration is reconstructed by used the Tikhonov regularization method. It has been observed that the particle concentration at the wall vicinity area is increased as ξ and dp are increased while the particle concentration at the center area is decreased. It shows the particles are moved away from the center towards wall vicinity area and particles migrated towards the wall increased in the outlet area as the particles move along the cross-sectional microchannel. The experimental result is verified with the COMSOL simulation.
LEAF DISEASE CLASSIFICATION USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Ishak Syafiqah , Fazalul Rahiman Mohd Hafiz , Mohd Kanafiah Siti Nurul Aqmariah , Saad Hashim
Published: December 2015

Nowadays, herb plants are importance to medical field and can give benefit to human. In this research, Phyllanthus Elegans Wall (Asin-Asin Gajah) is used to analyse and to classify whether it is healthy or unhealthy leaf. This plant was chosen because its function can cure breast cancer. Therefore, there is a need for alternative cure for patient of breast cancer rather than use the technology such as Chemotherapy, surgery or use of medicine from hospital. The purpose of this research to identify the quality of leaf and using technology in agriculture field. The process to analysis the leaf quality start from image acquisition, image processing, and classification. For image processing method, the most important for this part is the segmentation using HSV to input RGB image for the color transformation structure. The analysis of leaf disease image is applied based on colour and shape. Finally, the classification method use feed-forward Neural Network, which uses Back-propagation algorithm. The result shows comparison between Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP) and Radial Basis Function (RBF) and comparison between MLP and RBF shown in percentage of accuracy. MLP and RBF is algorithm for Neural Network. Conclusively, classifier of Neural Network shows better performance and more accuracy.
A REVIEW OF NON-INVASIVE IMAGING: THE OPPORTUNITY OF MAGNETIC INDUCTION TOMOGRAPHY MODALITY IN AGARWOOD INDUSTRY
Authors: Zakaria Zulkarnay , Hakim Airiman Ahmad Azizun , Mohamad Talib Masturah Tunnur , Ibrahim Maliki , Balkhis Ibrahim , Badri Mansor Muhammad Saiful , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi
Published: December 2015

The needs for non-invasive technique in agarwood industry could enhance and preserve the future of this industry in Malaysia as well as in most of the Asia countries. Normally karas tree which produces agarwood needs at least more than ten years to yield a matured agarwood resin. Thus cutting down the immature trees without pre-assessment on the agarwood content would become a waste of resources. This paper discusses the NDE techniques in wood industry which has the potential to be applied in karas tree for pre-assessment of agarwood volume embedded inside the trees. Finally future research in agarwood imaging using Magnetic Induction Tomography modality is addressed.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL DC RESISTIVITY MAPPING FOR SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION USING SOFT COMPUTING APPROACHES
Authors: Wahid Herman , Othman Mohd. Hakimi , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi
Published: December 2015

In geophysical subsurface surveys, difficulty to interpret measurement of data obtain from the equipment are risen. Data provided by the equipment did not indicate subsurface condition specifically and deviates from the expected standard due to numerous features. Generally, the data that obtained from the laws of physics computation is known as forward problem. And the process of obtaining the data from sets of measurements and reconstruct the model is known as inverse problem. Researchers have proposed multiple estimation techniques to cater the inverse problem and provide estimation that close to actual model. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of using artificial neural network (ANN) in solving two- dimensional (2-D) direct current (DC) resistivity mapping for subsurface investigation, in which the algorithms are based on the radial basis function (RBF) model and the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model. Conventional approach of least square (LS) method is used as a benchmark and comparative study with the proposed algorithms. In order to train the proposed algorithms, several synthetic data are generated using RES2DMOD software based on hybrid Wenner-Schlumberger configurations. Results are compared between the proposed algorithms and least square method in term of its effectiveness and error variations to the actual values. It is discovered that the proposed algorithms have offered better performance in term minimum error difference to the actual model, as compared to least square method. Simulation results demonstrate that proposed algorithms can solve the inverse problem and it can be illustrated by means of the 2-D graphical mapping.
SIMULATION STUDIES OF WAVES TRANSMISSION IN A STEEL-VESSEL ULTRASONIC TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM
Authors: Chiew Loon Goh , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Rahiman Hafiz Fazalul , Ahmad Nasarudin , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Pusppanathan Jaysuman , Abdul Rahim Herlina , Ahmad Anita
Published: December 2015

This paper addresses a specific form of inspection, that of ultrasonic wave propagation in the ultrasonic tomographic imaging system. From the sensing configuration standpoint, ultrasound wave simulation is an important imaging process. From the simulation results, ultrasonic sensors with suitable centre frequency can be mounted spherically on a sealed vessel, facilitating the local pitch-catch measurements of the fan-beam sensor configuration to reconstruct the ultrasound image as a fluid flow diagnostic tool. Two basic quantities are measured in ultrasonic flow systems: time-of-flight or the amount of time for the sound to travel through the sample, and the amplitude of the received signal. We used the acoustics pressure model in COMSOL version 4.2a to predict the propagation of acoustic waves through three-phase structures and bubbly flow. Our overall goal is to enable structurally specific inspection tasks to be optimized, taking into account both the physical aspects of the ultrasound propagation and the dynamic capabilities and restrictions of the vessel platform.
A LIGHTWEIGHT ONE-PASS AUTHENTICATION MECHANISM FOR AGENT COMMUNICATION IN MULTI-AGENT SYSTEM BASED APPLICATIONS
Authors: Ogunnusi Olumide Simeon , Abd Razak Shukor , Abdullah Abdul Hanan
Published: December 2015

The social nature of mobile agent and its ability to carry its principal’s confidential information necessitate the need to secure its communication with other agent(s) in an agent system. Most importantly, an agent communication security mechanism must be able to prevent unknown or visiting agent from participating in legitimate agent communication. Most of such mechanisms adopt two-pass authentication technique without due consideration of the enormous overheads generated by the mechanisms. These overheads are more noticeable in multi-agent system based applications with large number of agents such as smart grid. The main focus of this paper therefore, is to design a lightweight mechanism for agent communication confidentiality protection in a local area network (LAN) or intranet using one-pass authentication approach. The proposed mechanism adopted both symmetric and asymmetric cryptosystems to protect agent certificate transmission between task agents and agent execution host. The results show that the memory utilization, communication and computation costs of the proposed mechanism are remarkably lower than that of the two-pass authentication based mechanisms.
A THRESHOLD-BASED CONTROLLER FOR MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Ogunnusi Olumide Simeon , Abd Razak Shukor , Abdullah Abdul Hanan
Published: December 2015

Monitoring and regulating the deployment of mobile agents to a network based on its available bandwidth is crucial to forestall the possibility of congestion and consequent network degradation. Our study has shown that only one experimental modelhas addressed the issue. Investigation into this model revealed its failure to honour some basic parameters necessary to yield efficient result. These parameters and network bandwidth determine the maximum deployable number of agents to a network. To achieve the set objective, a threshold-based controller is proposed to regulate the injection of mobile agents into the network relative to the available bandwidth, agent size and router traffic size. The result obtained shows that the proposed model is more accurate and reliable than the existing one.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODEL TO ANALYZE AND IMPROVE THE PRODUCTION OF CRUDE PALM OIL DERIVATIVES
Authors: Suryani Erma , A. Hendrawan Rully , Atmojo Suryo , P. Dewi Lily
Published: December 2015

Indonesia is one of the largest palm oil producer in world. The products of palm oil derivative diverse, ranging from cooking oil, margarine, soap, and biodiesel. So far, Indonesia is more likely to export Crude Palm Oil (CPO) to various countries. But on the other hand, Indonesia need to reduce the burden imports of some palm oil derivative products such as cooking oil, biodiesel, and soap. It is therefore, we need a breakthrough to improve the production of crude palm oil and its derivative products so that we can increase the availability of the derivative products. Based on this existing condition, we need an approach that can analyze the use condition of the palm oil derivative products and improve the palm oil use of derivative products in the future. Therefore, in this research, we will develop a model that can analyze and develop some policy scenarios to improve the utilization of palm oil derivative products. The method used for the model development is system dynamics, based on the ability to accommodate the internal and external factors that affect the production of palm oil derivative products.From the model scenarios we obtained that by sorting the fruits harvested, so that the levels of Oil Extraction Rate is at 22.1%, it can increase the stock of CPO by 11%. By utilizing 50% of CPO for the cooking oil production will meet the needs of the national cooking oil demand, with a ratio of 1.5 fulfillment began in 2010. If we utilize 35% of CPO to be processed as stearin, and use 10% of stearin in the soap contain, it will fulfill the need of domestic soap until 2015.  By utilizing the empty fruit bunches waste as raw material for biodiesel, there will be additional biodiesel production of around 920,479 kilolitres in 2019. Meanwhile, the use of 1% of CPO production to create biodiesel, it will make biodiesel production reaches 31,173 kilolitres in 2019.  From these efforts, there will be 951,652 kilolitres biodiesel production in 2019.
MATCH SCORE FUSION OF FINGERPRINT AND FACE BIOMETRICS FOR VERIFICATION
Authors: Ching Ho Chiung , Ali Hussin Mufaddal , Ng Hu
Published: December 2015

In recent years, attacks on password databases have been carried out at an increasing rate, with significant success. Thus, a new approach is needed to prove one's claim to identity instead of relying on a password. In this paper, we investigate the use of biometric match scores for the purpose of verification. Our work was performed using the BSSR1 multimodal match score biometric dataset, which contains match scores from face and fingerprint biometric systems. We investigated the use of match scores as a feature vector, and performed Simple Sum and Product Rule fusion of match scores. The results we obtained demonstrated that the use of match scores for verification purposes can be achieved to give a result that is highly accurate.
SENTIMENT CLASSIFICATION OF UNSTRUCTURED DATA USING LEXICAL BASED TECHNIQUES
Authors: Shamsudin Nurul Fathiyah , Basiron Halizah , Saaya Zurina , Abdul Rahman Ahmad Fadzli Nizam , Zakaria Mohd Hafiz , Hassim Nurulhalim
Published: December 2015

Sentiment analysis is the computational study of people’s opinion or feedback, attitudes, and emotions toward entities, individuals, issues, events, topics and their attributes. There are many research conducted for other languages such as English, Spanish, French, and German. However, lack of research is conducted to harvest the information in Malay words and structure them into a meaningful data. The objective of this paper is to introduce a lexical based method in analysing sentiment of Facebook comments in Malay. Three types of lexical based techniques are implemented in order to identify the sentiment of Facebook comments. The techniques used are term counting, term score summation and average on comments. The comparison of accuracy, precision and recall for all techniques are computed. The result shows that the average on comments method outperforms the other two techniques.
THE DESIGN OF MOBILE PERSONALISED HEALTH RECORDS
Authors: Abd Ghani Mohd Khanapi , Aris Farah
Published: December 2015

Pervasive Electronic Health Record provides important medical history record for an individual within a healthcare system. By using pervasive storage devices, patient’s health records can be accessed electronically by authorized healthcare providers and healthcare professionals in the right place at the right time. However, the research found that not all healthcare practitioners are ready to adopt this approach and mobile technology into their daily work while providing healthcare services to the patients. This is important indicators to be acquired before implementing the technology in the real environment of healthcare.  The aim for this paper is to identify the crucial clinical dataset to be captured and viewed by the healthcare professionals and important design components for mobile personalized health records. The input will indicate that the healthcare professional tend to use the technology. In addition, the collected datasets could be used as input to design mobile personalized health record application.
COMPARING THE IMPACTS OF OIL PRICE SHOCKS ACROSS STOCK MARKETS
Authors: Kun Sek Siok , Jian Ng Zhan , Mun Har Wai
Published: December 2015

We conduct empirical analyses on comparing the spillover effects of oil price shocks on the volatility of stock returns between oil importing and oil exporting countries. In particular, we seek to study how the nature of oil price shocks differs due to the oil dependency factor and how the stock markets react to such shocks. Applying the multivariate GARCH-BEKK(1,1) model, our results detect spillover effects between crude oil price and stock returns for all countries. The short run persistencies of shocks are smaller but the persistencies of shocks are very high in the long run. The results hold for both groups of countries. The results imply larger spillover effect from oil price shock into stock market in the oil importing countries.
WORKSPACE CONTROL OF TWO LINK PLANAR ROBOT USING MICRO-BOX 2000
Authors: Jun Wei Lee , Hj Shukor Ahmad Zaki , Jamaluddin Muhammad Herman
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the workspace/task space control of a two degree of freedom (DOF) two link planar robot manipulator with DC geared motor actuation. Due to the nature of the DC geared motor, PD controller system is designed for each joint of the actuator to minimize the error, improve performance and obtain desired response. This paper includes the modelling of the planar structure and the simulation of workspace control by two methods, inverse kinematics and Direct Cartesian. Then a disturbance compensation called Workspace Observer (WOB) is introduced to improve the Direct Cartesian method. Comparison between the three methods was done. The Direct Cartesian with DOB shows a better trajectory response compared to inverse kinematics.
DEVELOPMENT OF NEW HARMONIC EULER USING NONSTANDARD FINITE DIFFERENCE TECHNIQUE FOR SOLVING STIFF PROBLEMS
Authors: Mohd Yusop Nurhafizah Moziyana , Hasan Mohammad Khatim
Published: December 2015

Solving stiff problem always required very tiny size of meshes if it is solved via traditional numerical algorithm. Using insufficient of mesh size, will triggered instabilities. In this paper, we develop an algorithm applying Harmonic Mean on Euler method to solve the stiff problems. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the improvement of Harmonic Euler using Nonstandard Finite Difference (NSFD). The combination of these methods can provide new advantages that Euler method could offer. Four set of stiff problems are solved via three schemes, i.e. Harmonic Euler, Nonstandard Harmonic Euler and Nonstandard EO with Harmonic Euler. Findings show that both nonstandard schemes produce high accuracy results.
MOBILE ROBOT PATH OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM USING VECTOR CALCULUS AND MAPPING OF 2 DIMENSIONAL SPACE
Authors: Zahari Ammar , Ismail Amelia Ritahani , Desia Recky
Published: December 2015

This research explores path integration in mobile robot navigation and path optimization technique using vector calculus. A simulated robot in a simulated environment is used to test the algorithm that is to be developed. The simulated robot is equipped with a sonar sensor and several infrared sensors on its chassis. Mobile robot navigation in an unknown environment is very crucial as It not only has to be concerned about reaching its destination but also to avoid obstacles that may be in the way. This algorithm can effectively allow a mobile robot to navigate an unknown environment without collision into obstacles.
AUTOMATED VISION INSPECTION OF TIMBER SURFACE DEFECT: A REVIEW
Authors: Hashim Ummi Rabaah , Hashim Siti Zaiton , Muda Azah Kamilah
Published: December 2015

Automated inspection has proven to be of great importance in increasing the quality of timber products, optimising raw material resources, increasing productivity as well as reducing error related to human labour. This paper reviews automated inspection of timber surface defects with a special focus on vision inspection. Previous works on sensors utilised are presented and can be used as a reference for future researchers. General approaches to solving the problem of wood surface defect detection can be categorised into segmentation and non-segmenting approaches. The weaknesses and strengths of each approach are discussed along with feature extraction techniques and classifiers implemented in timber surface defect detection. Furthermore, insights into the practicality of implementing automated vision inspection of timber defects were also discussed. This paper shall benefit researchers and practitioners in understanding different approaches, sensors, feature extraction techniques as well as classifiers that have been implemented in automated inspection of timber surface defects, thus providing some direction for future research.
DEVELOPMENT OF RAPID LOW-COST LARS PLATFORM FOR OIL PALM PLANTATION
Authors: Abu Sari Nasruddin , Ahmad A , Abu Sari MY , Sahib S , Rasib AW
Published: December 2015

The need to produce high temporal remote sensing imagery for supporting precision agriculture in oil palm deserves a new low-altitude remote sensing (LARS) technique. Consumer over the shelf unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and digital cameras have the potential to serve as Personal Remote Sensing Toolkits which are low-cost, efficient, rapid and safe. The objectives of this study were to develop and test a new technique to rapidly capturing nadir images of large area oil palm plantation (1 km2 ~ 4 km2). Using 5 different multi-rotor UAV models several imagery missions were carried out. Multi-rotors were chosen as a platform due to its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) feature. Multi-rotor’s VTOL was crucial for imagery mission success. Post processing results showed that for an area of 1 km2, it needs 2 to 6 sorties of quad-rotor UAV with 4000x3000 pixel digital cameras flying at altitude of 120m above ground level and an average of 50m cross-path distance. The results provide a suitability assessment of low-cost digital aerial imagery acquisition system. The study has successfully developed a decent workhorse quad-rotor UAV for Rapid Aerial Photogrammetry Imagery and Delivery (RAPID) in oil palm terrain. Finally we proposed the workhorse UAV as Low-Altitude Personal Remote Sensing (LAPERS) basic founding element.
Decreased insulin secretion and glucose clearance in exocrine pancreas‐insufficient pigs
Authors: Lozinska Liudmyla , Weström Björn , Prykhodko Olena , Lindqvist Andreas , Wierup Nils , Ahrén Bo , Szwiec Katarzyna , Pierzynowski Stefan G.
Published: December 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does the exocrine pancreas have an impact on endocrine pancreatic function and peripheral nutrient utilization?

What is the main finding and its importance?

In an exocrine pancreas‐insufficient pig model, the insulin response to a glucose load was delayed. Oral enzyme supplementation did not improve the insulin release but facilitated blood glucose clearance. These results suggest an acino‐insular axis communication affecting islet function and an impact of gut pancreatic enzymes on blood glucose utilization.

The effect of exocrine pancreatic function on the glucose‐mediated insulin response and glucose utilization were studied in an exocrine pancreas‐insufficient (EPI) pig model. Five 10‐week‐old EPI pigs after pancreatic duct ligation and 6 age‐matched, non‐operated control pigs were used in the study. Blood glucose, plasma insulin and C‐peptide concentrations were monitored during meal (MGTT), oral (OGTT) and intravenous (IVGTT) glucose tolerance tests. Upon post‐mortem examination, the pancreatic remnants of the EPI pigs showed acinar fibrotic atrophy but normal islets and β‐cell morphology. The EPI pigs displayed increased fasting glucose concentrations compared with control animals (6.4 ± 0.4 versus 4.8 ± 0.1 mmol l−1, P < 0.0001) but unchanged insulin concentrations (2.4 ± 0.6 versus 2.1 ± 0.2 pmol l−1). During the OGTT and IVGTT, the EPI pigs showed slower, impaired glucose utilization, with the disruption of a well‐timed insulin response. Plasma C‐peptide concentrations confirmed the delayed insulin response during the IVGTT in EPI pigs. Oral pancreatic enzyme supplementation (PES) of EPI pigs improved glucose clearance during IVGTT [AUCglucose 1295 ± 70 mmol l−1 × (120 min) in EPI versus 1044 ± 32 mmol l−1 × (120 min) in EPI + PES, P < 0.0001] without reinforcing the release of insulin [AUCC‐peptide 14.4 ± 3.8 nmol l−1 × (120 min) in EPI versus 6.4 ± 1.3 nmol l−1 × (120 min) in EPI + PES, P < 0.002]. The results suggest the existence of an acino‐insular axis regulatory communication. The presence of pancreatic enzymes in the gut facilitates glucose utilization in an insulin‐independent manner, indicating the existence of a gut‐derived pancreatic enzyme‐dependent mechanism involved in peripheral glucose utilization.
Intrathecal fentanyl abolishes the exaggerated blood pressure response to cycling in hypertensive men
Authors: Barbosa Thales C. , Vianna Lauro C. , Fernandes Igor A. , Prodel Eliza , Rocha Helena N. M. , Garcia Vinicius P. , Rocha Natalia G. , Secher Niels H. , Nobrega Antonio C. L.
Published: December 2015

Key points

The increase in blood pressure observed during physical activities is exaggerated in patients with hypertension, exposing them to a higher cardiovascular risk.

Neural signals from the skeletal muscles appear to be overactive, resulting in this abnormal response in hypertensive patients.

In the present study, we tested whether the attenuation of these neural signals in hypertensive patients could normalize their abnormal increase in blood pressure during physical activity.

Attenuation of the neural signals from the leg muscles with intrathecal fentanyl injection reduced the blood pressure of hypertensive men during cycling exercise to a level comparable to that of normotensive men.

Skeletal muscle afferent overactivity causes the abnormal cardiovascular response to exercise and was reverted in this experimental model, appearing as potential target for treatment.

Hypertensive patients present an exaggerated increase in blood pressure and an elevated cardiovascular risk during exercise. Although controversial, human studies suggest that group III and IV skeletal muscle afferents might contribute to this abnormal response. In the present study, we investigated whether attenuation of the group III and IV muscle afferent signal of hypertensive men eliminates the exaggerated increase in blood pressure occurring during exercise. Eight hypertensive men performed two sessions of 5 min of cycling exercise at 40 W. Between sessions, the subjects were provided with a lumbar intrathecal injection of fentanyl, a μ‐opioid receptor agonist, aiming to attenuate the central projection of opioid‐sensitive group III and IV muscle afferent nerves. The cardiovascular response to exercise of these subjects was compared with that of six normotensive men. During cycling, the hypertensive group demonstrated an exaggerated increase in blood pressure compared to the normotensive group (mean ± SEM: +17 ± 3 vs. +8 ± 1 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05), whereas the increase in heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output and vascular conductance was similar (P > 0.05). Fentanyl inhibited the blood pressure response to exercise in the hypertensive group (+11 ± 2 mmHg) to a level comparable to that of the normotensive group (P > 0.05). Moreover, fentanyl increased the responses of vascular conductance and stroke volume to exercise (P < 0.05), whereas the heart rate response was attenuated (P < 0.05) and the cardiac output response was maintained (P > 0.05). The results of the present study show that attenuation of the exercise pressor reflex normalizes the blood pressure response to cycling exercise in hypertensive individuals.
Creencias y actitudes hacia los medios de comunicación en estudiantes universitarios del sur de Chile
Authors: Denegri Coria Marianela , Chávez H. David , Del Valle R. Carlos , Sepúlveda A. Jocelyne
Published: December 2015

La presente investigación tiene como propósito evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas e identificar las actitudes y creencias hacia los medios de comunicación en universitarios del sur de Chile. Se diseñó un instrumento a partir de las Escalas de Creencias hacia los Medios (ECM) y Actitudes hacia los Medios (EAM) para evaluar las creencias y actitudes hacia los medios de la población mencionada. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 187 estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Temuco, Chile. La escala fue sometida a un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio y quedó constituida por dos sub-escalas: la creencias acerca de los medios (ECM) y actitudes hacia los medios (EAM).

 
Sharing by design: Data and decentralized commons
Authors: Contreras Jorge L. , Reichman Jerome H.
Published: December 2015

Overcoming legal and policy obstacles
Oscillatory stress stimulation uncovers an Achilles’ heel of the yeast MAPK signaling network
Authors: Mitchell Amir , Wei Ping , Lim Wendell A.
Published: December 2015

Altering timing perturbs cell signaling

Biological regulatory systems have been optimized by evolution to accommodate environmental variation. Yet these systems may also have fragile aspects that can be exposed by variation in the timing of signaling events. Mitchell
et al.
studied the properties of the yeast signaling system that allows cells to adapt to changing osmotic conditions. The same properties also made the system sensitive to hyperactivation and the consequent inhibition of cell growth if exposed to oscillations in osmotic conditions with a particular frequency. The identification of similar fragility in other regulatory pathways might prove useful in the development of therapeutic strategies against diseases in which signaling is perturbed, such as cancer and diabetes.

Science
, this issue p.
1379
Sexual fidelity trade-offs promote regulatory variation in the prairie vole brain
Authors: Okhovat Mariam , Berrio Alejandro , Wallace Gerard , Ophir Alexander G. , Phelps Steven M.
Published: December 2015

From faithfulness to spatial memory

Natural selection shapes traits to be as adaptive as possible for a given environment. Okhovat
et al.
show that such varying selection also shapes variation in social behavior and the brain (see the Perspective by Robinson). Variation in male fidelity among monogamous prairie voles reflects differences in the expression, regulation, and epigenetic status of a vasopressin receptor that functions in spatial memory. Thus, the trade-offs males face between fidelity and infidelity may promote heritable variation that is important for spatial memory and maintain variation in their levels of fidelity.

Science
, this issue p.
1371
; see also p.
1310
The global ocean microbiome
Authors: Moran Mary Ann
Published: December 2015

The ocean microbial system

The vast translucent oceans are teeming with microscopic life that drives significant life processes and elemental cycling on Earth. Yet how climate change will affect the functioning of this microbiome is not well understood. Moran reviews progress and the transformative discoveries made recently in marine microbiology that have led environmental, plant, animal, and even human microbiome research.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aac8455
Cell nonautonomous activation of flavin-containing monooxygenase promotes longevity and health span
Authors: Leiser Scott F. , Miller Hillary , Rossner Ryan , Fletcher Marissa , Leonard Alison , Primitivo Melissa , Rintala Nicholas , Ramos Fresnida J. , Miller Dana L. , Kaeberlein Matt
Published: December 2015

Aging: All in the head—and the gut

The effects of hypoxia and caloric restriction, both of which extend life span in
Caenorhabditis elegans
, converge on the activation of an enzyme in cells of the intestine. Leiser
et al.
show that the life-extending effects of hypoxia begin in neurons with transcriptional activation by hypoxia-inducible factor–1 and increased serotonergic signaling. These effects lead to increased production of flavin-containing monooxygenase-2 (FMO-2) in the intestine, which increased longevity. Finding the relevant targets of FMO-2, which also accumulates in mammals under conditions that promote longevity, may elucidate further mechanisms that promote healthy aging.

Science
, this issue p.
1375
What is an adult stem cell?
Authors: Clevers Hans
Published: December 2015

Tissues may use diverse mechanisms to replace lost cells
In the wake of collision
Authors: Brune Harald
Published: December 2015

When atoms collide with metal surfaces, electron-hole pair excitations dissipate the adsorption energy

[Also see Report by

Bünermann
et al.

]
Revisiting vitamin C and cancer
Authors: Reczek Colleen R. , Chandel Navdeep S.
Published: December 2015

A high dose of vitamin C kills certain colon cancer cells

[Also see Report by

Yun
et al.

]
Whither (wither?) tenure?
Authors: McNutt Marcia
Published: December 2015

The system of tenure for university faculty in the United States arose in the late 19th to early 20th centuries to guarantee that academics would not be capriciously dismissed if they conducted research on controversial topics, pursued “unpromising” research, or did not conform to conventional beliefs. Much in the world has changed in the past 100 years, from the demographics of the academic workforce and the scale of the educational enterprise, to the pace of discovery and the legal statutes surrounding retirement. These changes prompt a reexamination: Is tenure the best way to nurture scholarly growth and academic freedom, or has its cost become too much to bear?
Engineering Synthetic Multistress Tolerance in Escherichia coli by Using a Deinococcal Response Regulator, DR1558
Authors: Appukuttan Deepti , Singh Harinder , Park Sun-Ha , Jung Jong-Hyun , Jeong Sunwook , Seo Ho Seong , Choi Yong Jun , Lim Sangyong
Published: December 2015

Cellular robustness is an important trait for industrial microbes, because the microbial strains are exposed to a multitude of different stresses during industrial processes, such as fermentation. Thus, engineering robustness in an organism in order to push the strains toward maximizing yield has become a significant topic of research. We introduced the deinococcal response regulator DR1558 into
Escherichia coli
(strain
Ec
-1558), thereby conferring tolerance to hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in strain
Ec
-1558 was reduced due to the increased KatE catalase activity. Among four regulators of the oxidative-stress response, OxyR, RpoS, SoxS, and Fur, we found that the expression of
rpoS
increased in
Ec
-1558, and we confirmed this increase by Western blot analysis. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that DR1558 bound to the
rpoS
promoter. Because the alternative sigma factor RpoS regulates various stress resistance-related genes, we performed stress survival analysis using an
rpoS
mutant strain.
Ec
-1558 was able to tolerate a low pH, a high temperature, and high NaCl concentrations in addition to H
2
O
2
, and the multistress tolerance phenotype disappeared in the absence of
rpoS
. Microarray analysis clearly showed that a variety of stress-responsive genes that are directly or indirectly controlled by RpoS were upregulated in strain
Ec
-1558. These findings, taken together, indicate that the multistress tolerance conferred by DR1558 is likely routed through RpoS. In the present study, we propose a novel strategy of employing an exogenous response regulator from polyextremophiles for strain improvement.
Acquisition and Longevity of Antibodies to Plasmodium vivax Preerythrocytic Antigens in Western Thailand
Authors: Longley Rhea J. , Reyes-Sandoval Arturo , Montoya-Díaz Eduardo , Dunachie Susanna , Kumpitak Chalermpon , Nguitragool Wang , Mueller Ivo , Sattabongkot Jetsumon
Published: December 2015

Plasmodium vivaxis now the dominantPlasmodiumspecies causing malaria in Thailand, yet little is known about naturally acquired immune responses to this parasite in this low-transmission region. The preerythrocytic stage of theP. vivaxlife cycle is considered an excellent target for a malaria vaccine, and in this study, we assessed the stability of the seropositivity and the magnitude of IgG responses to three different preerythrocyticP. vivaxproteins in two groups of adults from a region of western Thailand where malaria is endemic. These individuals were enrolled in a yearlong cohort study, which comprised one group that remainedP. vivaxfree (by quantitative PCR [qPCR] detection,n= 31) and another that experienced two or more blood-stageP. vivaxinfections during the year of follow up (n= 31). Despite overall low levels of seropositivity, IgG positivity and magnitude were long-lived over the 1-year period in the absence of qPCR-detectable blood-stageP. vivaxinfections. In contrast, in the adults with two or moreP. vivaxinfections during the year, IgG positivity was maintained, but the magnitude of the response toP. vivaxcircumsporozoite protein 210 (CSP210) decreased over time. These findings demonstrate that long-term humoral immunity can develop in low-transmission regions.
Genome Sequence of the Mosquitocidal Bacillus thuringiensis Strain BR58, a Biopesticide Product Effective against the Coffee Berry Borer (
Hypothenemus hampei
)
Authors: Zorzetti Janaina , Ricietto Ana P. S. , da Silva Carlos R. M. , Wolf Ivan R. , Vilas-Bôas Gislayne T. , Neves Pedro M. O. J. , Meneguim Ana M. , Vilas-Boas Laurival A.
Published: December 2015

Bacillus thuringiensis
is an important microbial control agent against insect pests. The draft genome sequence of the Brazilian strain BR58 described here contains the insecticidal genes
cry4A
,
cry4B
,
cry10A
,
cry11A
,
cry60A
,
cry60B
, and
cyt1A
, which show toxicity to both
Aedes aegypti
and
Hypothenemus hampei
larvae.
Genome Sequences of Three
Pseudoalteromonas
Strains (P1-8, P1-11, and P1-30), Isolated from the Marine Hydroid
Hydractinia echinata
Authors: Klassen Jonathan L. , Rischer Maja , Wolf Thomas , Guo Huijuan , Shelest Ekaterina , Clardy Jon , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: December 2015

The genomes of three
Pseudoalteromonas
strains (P1-8, P1-11, and P1-30) were sequenced and assembled. These genomes will inform future study of the genes responsible for the production of biologically active compounds responsible for these strains’ antimicrobial, biofouling, and algicidal activities.
Whole-Genome Sequence of a European Clone II and OXA-72-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii Strain from Serbia
Authors: Dortet Laurent , Bonnin Rémy A. , Girlich Delphine , Imanci Dilek , Bernabeu Sandrine , Fortineau Nicolas , Naas Thierry
Published: December 2015

We report here the draft genome sequence of a carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
strain isolated from a patient, a strain which previously stayed in Serbia. This isolate possessed the
bla
OXA-72
carbapenemase gene. The draft genome sequence consists of a total length of 3.91 Mbp, with an average G+C content of 38.8%.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Polypropylene Glycol-Degrading Strain,
Microbacterium
sp. No. 7
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Nagata Yuji , Numata Mitsuru , Tsuchikane Kieko , Hosoyama Akira , Yamazoe Atsushi , Tsuda Masataka , Fujita Nobuyuki , Kawai Fusako
Published: December 2015

Microbacterium
(formerly
Corynebacterium
) sp. No. 7 was isolated from activated sludge as a polypropylene glycol (PPG)-assimilating bacterial strain. Its oxidative PPG degradation has been proposed on the basis of PPG dehydrogenase activity and the metabolic products. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. No. 7. The genome of the strain No. 7 is composed of a 4,599,046-bp circular chromosome and two linear plasmids. The whole finishing was conducted
in silico
with aids of the computational tools GenoFinisher and AceFileViewer. Strain No. 7 is available from the Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) (Tokyo, Japan).
Complete Genome Sequence of Sphingopyxis macrogoltabida Type Strain NBRC 15033, Originally Isolated as a Polyethylene Glycol Degrader
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Nagata Yuji , Numata Mitsuru , Tsuchikane Kieko , Hosoyama Akira , Yamazoe Atsushi , Tsuda Masataka , Fujita Nobuyuki , Kawai Fusako
Published: December 2015

Sphingopyxis macrogoltabida
strain 203, the type strain of the species, grew on polyethylene glycol (PEG) and has been deposited to the stock culture at the Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), under the number NBRC 15033. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain NBRC 15033. Unfortunately, genes for PEG degradation were missing.