bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Origin and Ablation of the Adenosine Triphosphate Induced Atrial Fibrillation After Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Effects on Procedural Success Rate
Authors: ZHANG JINLIN , TANG CHENG , ZHANG YONGHUA , SU XI
Published: January 2014

Origin and Ablation of the ATP Induced AF After CPVI

Introduction

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been used to provoke dormant pulmonary vein (PV) conduction after circumferential PV isolation (CPVI). However, there have been no systematic studies examining the incidence and the mechanism of ATP‐induced atrial fibrillation (AF) following CPVI in paroxysmal AF. In this study, we explore the mechanism of ATP‐induced AF and assess the feasibility of eliminating this response by additional radiofrequency (RF) ablation.

Methods and Results

A total of 300 consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF underwent CPVI. After all PVs were isolated, intravenous ATP (40 mg) was administered during an intravenous isoproterenol (ISP) infusion (5 μg/min).

AF was reproducibly induced by ATP in 39 patients. Non‐PV foci were confirmed and located in 29 of these patients at the onset of AF, including 27 foci in the superior vena cava (SVC), 1 focus in the crista terminalis, and 1 focus near the antrum of the PV. In all these cases, ATP‐induced AF was eliminated after the non‐PV foci were successfully ablated. For the other 10 patients, the foci triggering AF could not be confirmed or located due to the transient effect of ATP, thus no further ablation was performed. After a mean follow‐up period of 18.7 ± 6.4 (8–24) months, the success rate in the ATP‐induced AF group was not significantly different compared with the conventional treatment group who did not exhibit ATP‐induced AF (76.9% vs 67.3%; P = 0.25). But in the subgroup of which the ATP‐induced AF could be eliminated by additional RF ablation, the success rate was significantly higher than the non‐ATP inducible group (86.2% vs 67.3%; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

A large proportion of the ATP‐induced AF post CPVI were initiated by rapid firing in the SVC. Eliminating this response by additional ablation may have an influence on clinical results of paroxysmal AF ablation.
Osteopontin and Galectin‐3 Predict the Risk of Ventricular Tachycardia and Fibrillation in Heart Failure Patients with Implantable Defibrillators
Authors: FRANCIA PIETRO , ADDUCI CARMEN , SEMPRINI LORENZO , BORRO MARINA , RICOTTA AGNESE , SENSINI ISABELLA , SANTINI DARIA , CAPRINOZZI MASSIMO , BALLA CRISTINA , SIMMACO MAURIZIO , VOLPE MASSIMO
Published: January 2014

OPN and Gal‐3 Predict VT/VF in Heart Failure Patients

Background

Myocardial extracellular matrix remodelling provides electrical heterogeneity entailing ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) in heart failure (HF) patients. Osteopontin (OPN) and Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) are fibrosis markers and may reflect the extension of the arrhythmogenic substrate. We assessed whether plasma OPN and Gal‐3 predict the risk of sustained VT/VF in a cohort of HF patients with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD).

Methods

A total of 75 HF patients underwent pre‐ICD implantation clinical evaluation and assessment of plasma OPN and Gal‐3. The primary endpoint was the time to the occurrence of the first sustained VT/VF. Hazard ratios (HR) were derived from Cox proportional‐hazards analysis.

Results

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) had higher plasma OPN (79.8 ± 44.0 ng/mL vs. 66.0 ± 31.8 ng/mL; P = 0.04). Both Gal‐3 (r = −0.38; P = 0.01) and OPN (r = −0.27; p = 0.01) were negatively related to estimated glomerular filtration rate. After 29 ± 17 months, 20 patients (27%) reached the primary endpoint. Patients with VT/VF had higher plasma OPN and Gal‐3 (97.4 ± 51.7 ng/mL vs. 65.9 ± 31.3 ng/mL; P = 0.002 and 19.7 ± 8.5 ng/mL vs. 16.2 ± 6.2 ng/mL; P = 0.05). In univariate analysis, OPN (log‐OPN, HR: 32.4; 95%CI: 3.9–264.7; P = 0.001) and Gal‐3 (HR: 1.05; 95%CI: 1.00–1.11; P = 0.04) predicted sustained VT/VF. In multivariable analysis, both OPN (HR: 41.4; 95%CI: 3.8–441.9; P = 0.002) and Gal‐3 (HR: 1.06; 95%CI: 1.00–1.12; P = 0.03) retained their prognostic power after correction for age, sex, history of MI, EF, NYHA class, eGFR, use of ACE‐I, and amiodarone.

Conclusions

Plasma OPN and Gal‐3 predict sustained VT/VF in HF patients at high risk for SCD. Larger prospective studies should outline the role of these biomarkers in predicting SCD on top of conventional risk stratification.
Meiospores produced in sori of nonsporophyllous laminae of Macrocystis pyrifera (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) may enhance reproductive output
Authors: Leal Pablo P. , Hurd Catriona L. , Roleda Michael Y.
Published: January 2014

Different lamina of Macrocystis pyrifera sporophytes (i.e., sporophylls, pneumatocyst‐bearing blades, and apical scimitars) in a wave‐sheltered site were found to be fertile. We quantified their sorus surface area, reproductive output (number of spores released) and the viability of released spores (germination rate). Sorus area was greatest on the sporophylls, with sporangia developing on >57% of the total area and smallest on the pneumatocyst‐bearing blades with 21% of the total area bearing sporangia. The apical scimitar released the greatest number of meiospores (cells · mL−1 · cm−2) and the sporophylls the least. Meiospores produced from all types of fertile laminae were equally viable. This reproductive plasticity may enhance reproductive output, and contribute to short and long‐distance spore dispersal and the cryptic gametophyte propagule bank for the next generation of sporophytes.
Virus epidemics can lead to a population‐wide spread of intragenomic parasites in a previously parasite‐free asexual population
Authors: Jalasvuori Matti , Lehtonen Jussi
Published: January 2014

Sexual reproduction is problematic to explain due to its costs, most notably the twofold cost of sex. Yet, sex has been suggested to be favourable in the presence of proliferating intragenomic parasites given that sexual recombination provides a mechanism to confine the accumulation of deleterious mutations. Kraaijeveld et al. compared recently the accumulation of transposons in sexually and asexually reproducing lines of the same species, the parasitoid wasp Leptopilina clavipes. They discovered that within asexually reproducing wasps, the number of gypsy‐like retrotransposons was increased fourfold, whereas other retrotransposons were not. Interestingly, gypsy‐like retrotransposons are closely related to retroviruses. Endogenous retroviruses are retroviruses that have integrated to the germ line cells and are inherited thereafter vertically. They can also replicate within the genome similarly to retrotransposons as well as form virus particles and infect previously uninfected cells. This highlights the possibility that endogenous retroviruses could play a role in the evolution of sexual reproduction. Here, we show with an individual‐based computational model that a virus epidemic within a previously parasite‐free asexual population may establish a new intragenomic parasite to the population. Moreover and in contrast to other transposons, the possibility of endogenous viruses to maintain a virus epidemic and simultaneously provide resistance to individuals carrying active endogenous viruses selects for the presence of active intragenomic parasites in the population despite their deleterious effects. Our results suggest that the viral nature of certain intragenomic parasites should be taken into account when sex and its benefits are being considered.
The CcmFH complex is the system I holocytochrome c synthetase: engineering cytochrome c maturation independent of CcmABCDE
Authors: San Francisco Brian , Sutherland Molly C. , Kranz Robert G.
Published: January 2014

Cytochrome c maturation (ccm) in many bacteria, archaea and plant mitochondria requires eight membrane proteins, CcmABCDEFGH, called system I. This pathway delivers and attaches haem covalently to two cysteines (of Cys‐Xxx‐Xxx‐Cys‐His) in the cytochrome c. All models propose that CcmFH facilitates covalent attachment of haem to the apocytochrome; namely, that it is the synthetase. However, holocytochrome c synthetase activity has not been directly demonstrated for CcmFH. We report formation of holocytochromes c by CcmFH and CcmG, a periplasmic thioredoxin, independent of CcmABCDE (we term this activity CcmFGH‐only). Cytochrome c produced in the absence of CcmABCDE is indistinguishable from cytochrome c produced by the full system I, with a cleaved signal sequence and two covalent bonds to haem. We engineered increased cytochrome c production by CcmFGH‐only, with yields approaching those from the full system I. Three conserved histidines in CcmF (TM‐His1, TM‐His2 and P‐His1) are required for activity, as are the conserved cysteine pairs in CcmG and CcmH. Our findings establish that CcmFH is the system I holocytochrome c synthetase. Although we discuss why this engineering would likely not replace the need for CcmABCDE in nature, these results provide unique mechanistic and evolutionary insights into cytochrome c biosynthesis.
Decreased mobility after starting dialysis is an independent risk factor for short‐term mortality after initiation of dialysis
Authors: Arai Yohei , Kanda Eiichiro , Kikuchi Hiroaki , Yamamura Chisato , Hirasawa Suguru , Aki Shota , Inaba Naoto , Aoyagi Makoto , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Tamura Teiichi , Sasaki Sei
Published: January 2014

Aim

Impaired mobility at the onset of dialysis is considered one of the most important risk factors for short‐term mortality after initiation of dialysis in elderly patients. However, whether a decline in mobility after starting dialysis also affects mortality is unclear.

Methods

A total of 202 patients (age, >75 years; mean, 80.4 ± 4.3) were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study in Yokosuka, Japan. They were divided into three subgroups by mobility: independent mobility at onset of dialysis and preservation of mobility after starting dialysis (group 1, n = 104); independent mobility at onset of dialysis and decline in mobility after starting dialysis (group 2, n = 48); and impaired mobility at onset of dialysis (group 3, n = 50). They were followed for 6 months after starting dialysis. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between mobility and mortality.

Results

A total of 24.8% of patients had impaired mobility at the start of dialysis, and 68.9% declined in mobility after starting dialysis. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, the adjusted hazard ratios of groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1 were 3.80 (95% confidence interval, 1.02–14.10) and 4.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.42–17.10), respectively.

Conclusion

Not only impaired mobility at the start of dialysis but also a decline in mobility after starting dialysis is associated with short‐term mortality after initiation of dialysis.
An Approach to Heparin and Lidocaine Hypersensitivity for the Interventional Nephrologist
Authors: Sequeira Adrian
Published: January 2014

The general and interventional nephrologist may occasionally encounter a situation where the patient may state that he/she has an allergy to lidocaine or heparin. Heparin hypersensitivity is usually either a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction or an immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia. While a number of alternative drugs are available, many of them are subject to local availability, food and drug administration indications, and the patient's hepatic and renal function. Many of these drugs do not have antidotes in case of bleeding. Lidocaine hypersensitivity is usually a delayed type reaction, although adverse reactions, which are much more common, are wrongly labeled as an allergy. 1% diphenhydramine and benzyl alcohol may be used as alternatives.
N‐Acylethanolamines: lipid metabolites with functions in plant growth and development
Authors: Blancaflor Elison B. , Kilaru Aruna , Keereetaweep Jantana , Khan Bibi Rafeiza , Faure Lionel , Chapman Kent D.
Published: January 2014

Twenty years ago, N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs) were considered by many lipid chemists to be biological ‘artifacts’ of tissue damage, and were, at best, thought to be minor lipohilic constituents of various organisms. However, that changed dramatically in 1993, when anandamide, an NAE of arachidonic acid (N‐arachidonylethanolamine), was shown to bind to the human cannabinoid receptor (CB1) and activate intracellular signal cascades in mammalian neurons. Now NAEs of various types have been identified in diverse multicellular organisms, in which they display profound biological effects. Although targets of NAEs are still being uncovered, and probably vary among eukaryotic species, there appears to be remarkable conservation of the machinery that metabolizes these bioactive fatty acid conjugates of ethanolamine. This review focuses on the metabolism and functions of NAEs in higher plants, with specific reference to the formation, hydrolysis and oxidation of these potent lipid mediators. The discussion centers mostly on early seedling growth and development, for which NAE metabolism has received the most attention, but also considers other areas of plant development in which NAE metabolism has been implicated. Where appropriate, we indicate cross‐kingdom conservation in NAE metabolic pathways and metabolites, and suggest areas where opportunities for further investigation appear most pressing.
Cytotoxicity Activities in Local Justicia gendarussa Crude Extracts against Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Ayob Zahidah , Abd Samad Azman , Mohd Bohari Siti Pauliena
Published: January 2014

The present study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of Justicia gendarussa methanolic leaf extracts from five different locations in Johor and also two standards flavonoids (naringenin and kaempferol) as these two compounds were detected in the chromatogram. In this study, leaf extracts and compounds were tested against various human cancer cell lines (HT-29, HeLa and BxPC-3) by using MTT assay. The results showed that methanolic leaf extracts from Mersing and kaempferol were very toxic against BxPC-3 and HeLa cells with IC50 values of 16 µg/ml and 5 µg/ml, respectively. It is suggested that J. gendarussa leaf extracts from Mersing have potential cytotoxic activity on human cancer cell lines particularly BxPC-3 cells.
The Development of FPGA-based Wireless Channel Simulator using LabVIEW
Authors: Mamat Nor Aswani , Ngah Razali , A.K Chude Okonkwo Uche , Ramli Muhamad Asmi
Published: January 2014

The development of channel model for wireless communication system is currently becoming important to fulfill the entire user’s requirements and increasing demand where to provide a good communication link between the users at everywhere and anytime. An accurate techniques or operator is needed to model a very flexible channel for wireless communication application. Previous channel model is developed based on the time-frequency operator which is limited to Narrowband signaling. This operator uses Doppler shift to account for mobility in propagation space. This paper proposes a Wideband channel model which is valid for all kind of signaling and conditions. Mathematical channel model is used to represent a generic channel simulator which is implemented as channel simulator. The development and measurement of channel simulator is using LabVIEW. The LabVIEW can be used as basic software and can be turned into hardware part by connecting to other devices for real-time channel simulation. The illustration and snapshot of the channel simulator modeling in term of LabVIEW code program are presented.
Electrical Characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride with Wollastonite Filler for High Voltage Outdoor Insulation Material
Authors: Yaacob M. M. , Kamaruddin N. , Mazlan N. A. , Noramat N. F. , Aman A. , Alsaedi M. A.
Published: January 2014

Even though polymer composite materials have been widely used as an outdoor insulation material, their life expectancy is still unknown. Thus, to develop a better insulation, it is important to determine the electrical properties of the polymeric materials. As mentioned in previous researches, adding filler to the polymer will help to increase the performance of insulating materials. In this paper, a new polymeric insulation material for high voltage application, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) with the addition of Wollastonite CaSiO3 filler is presented. It was expected that the combination of filler with PVC would give better result when experiencing ageing process. The material would be put into tracking and erosion resistance test first and then analyzed in accordance with BSEN 60587:2007. It would then be further tested through tan delta and dielectric strength test. Comparison would then be made between the PVC with filler and PVC without filler based on the result obtained from the experiment. However, not all electrical testing showed satisfactory results and further testing should be conducted.
Electrical Tree Growth in Silicone Rubber/Organo-Montmorillonite Nanocomposites under AC Ramp Voltage
Authors: Jamil A. A. A. , Ahmad M. H. , Arief Y. Z. , Kamarol M. , Mariatti M. , Bashir N. , Piah M. A. M.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the results of the study on the electrical tree growth of organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) nanofillers in silicone rubber under ac ramp voltage of 0.5 kV per second. This study investigates the ability of OMMT to retard the growth of electrical tree in silicone rubber. Samples of silicone rubber nanocomposites (two filled with 1% and 3% OMMT respectfully while the third is unfilled silicone rubber), were used in this experimental study and the growth rate of the electrical tree and its length were observed in both samples. .The result of this study has revealed that in the filled nanocomposite sample, the OMMT acts as barrier which slows down the growth rate of electrical tree. This makes OMMT a potential material to use as fillers in polymeric insulations for the purpose of retarding electrical tree growth.
Condition Assessment of High Voltage Instrument Transformer Using Partial Discharge Analysis
Authors: Talib Mohd Aizam , Abu Bakar Abu Sufian Abu Bakar , Kannan S. Gobi
Published: January 2014

Determining the incipient faults in high voltage apparatus is important because failure without warning can result in damage to adjacent equipment, personnel injures, customer dissatisfaction and disruption to economic activity. The failure of several high voltage instrument transformers during in-service prompted Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to identify more effective diagnostic tool to predict insulation breakdowns. The viability of partial discharge (PD) measurements in the field on instrument transformers is investigated. This paper presents the results of partial discharge tests that have been carried out under laboratory experiments and field measurement on high voltage instrument transformers.
Effect of Switching Method in Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) Measurement Technique
Authors: Kasri N. F. , Piah M. A. M. , Muhamad N. A. , Jamail N. A. M.
Published: January 2014

Switching method in Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) measurement technique is an appealing area to look at, especially in terms of its behavior over time based monitoring. Previous researches on this technique did not deliberate the effect of switching method in its measurement analysis. Most of the researchers use a conventional HV relay that acts as a switching component. This paper studies the behavior of PDC measurement results and its relationship between the types of switching methods used. It is due to the research hypothesis where different switching method produces distinctive PDC measurement results. Determination of which optimal method that suit with this technique can be made by comparing PDC measurement results; the result which analogous to the reference is considered as the finest method. Two different switching methods were applied in this research, which are HV relays and series-connected of 600V, 30A, Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT).
An Experience of Ageing on XLPE Insulation
Authors: Ariastina W. G. , Weking A. I. , Kumara I. N. S. , Giriantari I. A. D. , Sugiarta I. N.
Published: January 2014

A case study of ageing on XLPE conductor insulation of 20kV primary distribution feeder is presented in this paper. The insulation degradation mainly occurred around conductor tie where the conductor is attached to the post insulator. A section of distribution feeder with defects on the conductor insulation has been examined for this study. Potential losses due to presence of discharges have been investigated by measuring the difference current at locations of the affected conductor. Temperature measurements of the insulation surface have also been carried out. Provisional maintenance procedures were introduced to eliminate the discharges. Measurements of current and surface temperature were repeated nine months after completion of the maintenance work. Results indicated that the discharges have been completely disappeared.
Water Content Estimation in Soils Using Novel Planar Electromagnetic Sensor Arrays
Authors: Md Yunus Mohd Amri , Mohamad Syahrul Hisyam , M. Nor Alif Syarafi , Izran Muhammad Hafis , Ibrahim Sallehuddin
Published: January 2014

Agriculture is one of the important sectors for food supplies. Therefore, a tool for monitoring the agro-environment is important in order to maintain the permanence of agricultural soils. This paper suggests an alternative method for the detection of water content in soils by developing a sensor array with a combination of planar meander and interdigital electromagnetic sensors. The study involved sensor array fabrication using the printed circuit board (PCB) method. The experimental setup consisted of a frequency waveform generator and a signal oscilloscope to collect and analyse the sensors’ output, with VEE Agilent software used to establish the interface. A set of experiments was conducted to determine the relationship between the sensors’ output and the soils’ parameters. The performance of the system was observed where the sensors were tested with the addition of various kinds of soil samples with different concentrations of water content. The sensitivity of the developed sensors was evaluated where the best sensor was selected. Based on the outcomes of the experiments, the Y sensor array placement has the highest sensitivity and can be used to measure the water content in the soils where the data accuracy is compared
Magnetic Induction Tomography: Receiver Circuit and Its Design Criteria
Authors: Zakaria Zulkarnay , Mansor Muhammad Saiful Badri , Abdul Rahim Ruzairi , Balkhis Ibrahim , Fazalul Rahiman Mohd Hafiz , Nor Ayob Nor Muzakkir , Abdul Rahim Herlina , Yaacob Sazali
Published: January 2014

This paper discusses the receiver circuit and criteria for component selection towards the application of a real-time magnetic induction tomography system. Component selection plays an important role since image reconstruction of the object of interest with high quality and at a higher frame rate cannot be achieved without the right parameter criteria. The demands for a high quality imaging system have recently been increasing, especially in industrial processes involving dynamic movement, thus this paper may provide valuable information on better magnetic induction tomography system implementation for industrial processes and biomedical imaging through the use of a coil as a transmitter and also a receiver. The linear back projection algorithm has been employed in this system and has proven capable of identifying the location and size of the object based on the reconstructed images.
Relationship between Corporate Attributes and Timeliness in Corporate Reporting: Malaysian Evidence
Authors: Hashim Filouz , Hashim Fatimah , Jambari Abdul Razak
Published: January 2014

This study empirically investigates the timeliness of corporate reporting in Malaysia i.e the lead time to publish financial statements and characteristic of companies contributing to the lead time. The sample comprises of 200 listed companies on the Bursa Malaysia representing different sectors for the year ending 2007. The financial reporting lead time is 117 days which is 4 days earlier than the regulated 121days. The regression results revealed that size of the company and audit duration are having a significant relationship with the timeliness of corporate reporting. The remaining variables were found to be insignificant in relation to timeliness of corporate reporting.
Holistic Approach to Measure Innovation Performance for Hotel Industry –A Short Review
Authors: Parnian Amir , Hosseini Narges , Shwu Fen Wong
Published: January 2014

The significant contribution to a firm’s long-term success, innovation has burst as one of the most important determinant of organizational performance.  Mainly due to the globalization of markets and the extreme and rapid growth of technology has put tremendous pressure on companies to look for new and alternative ways to compete and survive in the current scenario. Numerous academic researches declare that success rate of service innovations is low and there are only few possible explanations for this assertion. In this current study, the innovation literature will be reviewed followed by the different approaches to measure innovation performance. In this study, we attempt to emphasis on importance of further researches in order to effectively measure innovation in hotel industry.
Toward Synthesis Model of College Students Motivation and Social and Cultural Capital: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Bajunaid Mohamed A. , Baharun Rohaizat
Published: January 2014

This article proposes to provide an integrative model of push and pull motivation theory, Bourdieu’s works on social and cultural capital of students in the higher education institutions (HEIs). This study examines how the social and cultural capital such as, social relationship, habits, socioeconomic status and student abilities, as well as the social and cultural capital of HEIs i.e., corporate social responsibility (CSR), faculty-student interaction, leadership for institution and institutional support influence students’ motivation, satisfaction and loyalty. The theory of push and pull is one of the motivation theories that explain why students pursue higher education and choose a specific HEI. The college students come from diverse social and cultural background; therefore, they carry their own social and cultural capitals which influence their choices, motivation, and satisfaction. There is much less knowledge about the correlation between social and cultural capital and higher education, in literature, where ethnicity, race, and sex are the focus of a great deal of study in higher education. Moreover, there is lack of studies targeted in developing countries, which is clear from the intensive work on marketing and higher education service. For that, the study aims to improve the lack of experimental investigations, by developing a model that investigate and understand students’ behaviors, with a focus on social and cultural capital of student and HEI.
Women Entrepreneurship Development in India
Authors: Ambiga S. , Ramasamy M.
Published: January 2014

Role of Women in Economic Development is vital to achieve the inclusive growth. Entrepreneurship is one of the means to make involve them in Nation building and Economic Development. Till 1980s, only a very few women took Entrepreneurial activities in India1. In 1980, “New Delhi Declaration and Plan of Action” adopted to emphasize on development of entrepreneurial skills among the women. The decade (1980-1990) witnessed several institutional initiatives towards women entrepreneurship. Its only after the liberalization of Indian economy in 1990s, with the opportunities poured in and along with institutional support, Women entrepreneurship started to flourish. In this paper the concept and classification of Women Entrepreneurs is discussed. The hurdles faced by Women to set up the enterprises and the government schemes for Women Entrepreneurship development are also analyzed. The Success story of few Indian Women Entrepreneurs is narrated in brief. Finally it is concluded that the success of Women Entrepreneurship among City dwelling Upper middle Class Women should also be spread to Women in country side.
Penggabungan Konsep 5S dan 3R untuk Menambahbaik Prestasi Alam Sekitar Syarikat Pembuatan PKS ke Arah Pembangunan Lestari
Authors: Jamian Rahim , Ab Rahman Mohd Nizam , Md Deros Baba , Nik Ismail Nik Zainuddin
Published: January 2014

Syarikat pembuatan pengusaha kecil dan sederhana (PKS) memainkan peranan penting dalam pembangunan ekonomi dan pencemaran alam sekitar global. Kini, konsep hijau yang mengambilkira kepentingan alam sekitar dalam amalan pengurusan semakin menjadi keutamaan syarikat pembuatan untuk mencapai keberdayasaingan. Namun, PKS menghadapi kesukaran untuk mengguna pendekatan sedia ada disebabkan kekangan sumber. Kertas kerja ini mencadang kerangka konsep pelaksanaan amalan hijau (GP) dengan menggarap penggunaan kaedah 5S dan 3R untuk memenuhi keperluan syarikat pembuatan PKS di Malaysia. Kajian terdahulu membuktikan amalan 5S berjaya menambahbaik prestasi syarikat tanpa memerlukan pelaburan yang besar. Manakala aktiviti 3R adalah asas bagi GP, dan ia dilihat mampu dilaksana oleh PKS untuk mengurangkan kesan alam sekitar. Di akhir kertas kerja ini, beberapa cadangan terhadap penggabungan konsep 5S dan 3R dibentang. Ia menumpu kepada operasi pembuatan dan sokongan untuk membantu PKS dalam menambahbaik prestasi operasi dan alam sekitar ke arah pembangunan lestari, sekaligus memberi mereka kelebihan untuk berdaya saing.
Link Capacity Based Channel Assignment (LCCA) for Cognitive Radio Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Maqbool Wajahat , Syed Yusof Sharifah K. , Abdul Latiff N. M. , S. Hashim , U. Rahat , K. Zubair , N. Bushra
Published: January 2014

Cognitive radio wireless mesh network (CRWMN) is expected as an upcoming technology with the potential advantages of both cognitive radio (CR) and the wireless mesh networks (WMN). In CRWMN, co-channel interference is one of the key limiting factors that affect the reception capabilities of the client and reduce the achievable transmission rate. Furthermore, it increases the frame loss rate and results in underutilization of resources. To maximize the performance of such networks, interference related issues need to be considered. Channel assignment (CA) is one of the key techniques to overcome the performance degradation of a network caused by the interferences. To counter the interference issues, we propose a novel CA  technique which is based on link capacity, primary user activity and secondary user activity. These three parameters are fed to the proposed weightage decision engine to get the weight for each of the stated parameters. Thus, the link capacity based channel assignment (LCCA) algorithm is based on the weightage decision engine. The end-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio and the throughput is used to estimate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is closer to the optimum resource utilization.
Keupayaan Penunggang Motosikal Mengenal Pasti Hazad dan Bertindak Selamat di Persimpangan Tidak Berlampu Isyarat
Authors: Ibrahim Mohd Khairul Alhapiz , Awang Azmi , Omar Nik Hairi
Published: January 2014

The ability of motorcyclist learners to identify hazards and to act safely at the intersection without traffic lights does not fully evaluated due to the fact that current curriculum adopted in Driving Institute (DI) in Malaysia not include training and testing on the actual road. Hence, to assess the ability of candidates on the actual road, a quasi-experiment was conducted towards random samples of 104 candidates in six DI in Malacca and Negeri Sembilan. An instrumented motorcycle equipped with video camera and electronic devices have been used to record driving data. Hazard perception and responding skills were measured   by analyzing motorcycle’s speed and turn signal activation at junctions. Results of Oneway ANOVA test showed that there were significant differences in the participants’ choice of speed and use of turn signals when there were oncoming vehicles at junctions, but no significant changes when only crossing vehicles were present at the junctions. In general, studies conclude that the respondents are able to identify hazards and act safely at the crossroads in certain situations. Participant age and gender were found significant to the difference in hazard identification skills and react. Based on results, learning quality for theory and practice in DI should be improved.
People’s Perception of Public Transport Services in Oman
Authors: Belwal Rakesh
Published: January 2014

The role of public transport services is crucial in ensuring mobility. The Sultanate of Oman has shown a remarkable growth in the last three decades in almost all areas except in the development of public transport infrastructure and services. Currently, Public transportation is a pressing concern for Oman and is attracting much attention, especially in light of increasing traffic congestion and safety concerns. This research followed a public needs assessment and opinion survey approach and covered 2000 respondents in the Al Batinah region of Oman. A quantitative analysis was initially performed using the SPSS, which was later followed by a qualitative analysis. The specific objectives were to conduct a socio-economic feasibility analysis towards the establishment of an effective public transport system in Oman and to study residents’ requirements, sharing habits, traveling behaviors, expenditure and expectations towards public transport in Oman. The study concludes that public transportation in Oman is still in its infancy, and the introduction of a public transport system has taken an unusually long time. People realize the need for a better system, but their knowledge of different transport modes and their use is very limited. People’s attitudes towards using public transport are positive; however, they much prefer to use their own cars. The nearest substitute to the personal car is the taxi, which largely fulfills the role of public transport, barring very few bus lines. On the socio-economic front, this study does not find any major obstacles to the adoption and use of public transportation in Oman.
Failure Probabilities of FRP Strengthened RC Column to Blast Loads
Authors: Mutalib Azrul A. , Mohd Tawil Norngainy , Baharom Shahrizan , Abedini Masoud
Published: January 2014

Probability analysis is commonly used to estimate the structural damage subjected to the static loads as well as dynamic loads such as earthquakes, wind and blast loads. Blast loads is difficult to predict accurately due to the parameters that influence the uncertainty in the blast shock wave propagation and shock wave-structures interaction. However, probability analysis of the structural damage can be carried out by considering all the blast load parameters and the structural properties. Instead, scale distance factors (producing various pressures and impulses) also affect the uncertainty of variations in structure damage to blast load and analysis of blast-resistant design. This study presents a reliability analysis of unstrengthened and FRP strengthened RC columns to blast loads. Three different parameter examples of unstrengthened reinforced concrete (RC) columns and Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strengthened RC column are used. The failure probabilities of RC columns under different level blast load corresponding to different range of scaled distances are estimated and presented. The results indicate reliability analysis gives range of scaled distances with different probabilities of column collapse.
Recovery of Ionized Nanosilver from Wash Water Solution using Emulsion Liquid Membrane Process
Authors: Raja Sulaiman Raja Norimie , Othman Norasikin , Saidina Amin Nor Aishah
Published: January 2014

The increasing numbers of product containing nanosilver have raised a great concern about their possible impact in the environment especially in the ionic form which leads to the toxicity problem when the association occurs with the organism cells. Therefore, the main focus of this study was to investigate several parameters influencing the recovery of ionized nanosilver from wash water using emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) process. This process involves three phases dispersion system including external, membrane and internal phase. The membrane phase was prepared by dissolving bis [2, 4, 4-trimethylpentyl] monothiophosphinic acid (Cyanex 302) as a carrier and Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80) as a surfactant in kerosene as a diluent. Thiourea in Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was used as a stripping agent in the internal phase. The important parameters such as extraction time, carrier and stripping agent concentrations were investigated. All experiments were conducted in batch system. The concentration of the ionized nanosilver was measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The result demonstrated that almost 100% of silver ion was extracted with 91% have been recovered within 5 minute of extraction time using 0.005 M Cyanex 302 and 1.0 M Thiourea in 1.5 M H2SO4. Hence, ELM was proven to be a very promising technique for the simultaneous extraction and recovery of ionized nanosilver from wash water.
Potential of Nanofiltration Membrane in Groundwater Treatment for Drinking Water Resources
Authors: Kasim Norherdawati , Mohammad Abdul Wahab
Published: January 2014

Groundwater in Malaysia has become an alternative water resouces for daily needs. However, the presence of iron and manganese has been the major problem that caused the water unsuitable for drinking due to reddish colour and bad taste. Therefore, groundwater should be well treated from any hazardous metal before consumption. A dead-end stirred cell was used to investigate the ability of commercial NF membrane in removal of Fe to acceptable level for drinking water. Removal up to 99% for 10 mg/L iron solution at pH9.4 with low pressure of 2 bar was achieved. Further investigation for higher feed concentration is suggested in order to achieve permeate concentration below than 0.3 mg Fe/L. All findings indicated that nanofiltration is a promising technology for groundwater treatment.
Successfully Navigating Life Transitions Among African American Male Student-Athletes: A Review and Examination of Constellation Mentoring as a Promising Strategy
Authors: Kelly Darren D. , Dixon Marlene A.
Published: January 2014

Despite excellent performance on the field and years of academic and social attention, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I African American male student-athletes continue to struggle to have an optimal and well-rounded college experience at predominantly White institutions of higher education. In particular, the first 2 years of college represent a difficult period during which this group would benefit from new ideas to support their multiple transitions. Mentoring, and more specifically constellation mentoring, provides great promise for aiding in the transition and success of this group (Kram, 1985). Mentoring, like other organizational transition management tools, focuses on helping people navigate a transition into a new setting (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright, 2010). However, constellation mentoring can be simultaneously broad (in terms of range of needs addressed) and specifically tailored to individual needs. This study seeks to establish a framework for how mentoring may provide a valuable tool for addressing the needs of African American male student-athletes as they transition into the college sport, social, and academic atmosphere.
Fatal hypertriglyceridaemia, acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis possibly induced by quetiapine
Authors: Madsen Kristian Roerbaek
Published: January 2014

A 27-year-old man treated with quetiapine for anxiety disorder developed hypertriglyceridaemia-induced acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis. He was otherwise physically healthy with no family history of hyperlipidaemia. Despite aggressive intensive therapy he died of multiorgan failure within 36 h from initial presentation. While second-generation antipsychotics are well known to be causally linked to diabetes and hyperlipidaemia, this is to my knowledge the first-described case of a fatal triad of extreme hypertriglyceridaemia, acute pancreatitis and diabetic ketoacidosis possibly induced by quetiapine. Clinicians should be aware of this rare clinical presentation since rapid progression to multiorgan failure can occur. Early supportive therapy should be initiated. Lactescent serum and ketoacidosis in severe acute pancreatitis should not be overlooked—initiate insulin therapy and possibly plasmapheresis in case of extreme hypertriglyceridaemia.
A multispecies statistical age-structured model to assess predator–prey balance: application to an intensively managed Lake Michigan pelagic fish community
Authors: Tsehaye Iyob , Jones Michael L. , Bence James R. , Brenden Travis O. , Madenjian Charles P. , Warner David M.
Published: January 2014

Using a Bayesian modeling approach, we developed a multispecies statistical age-structured model to assess trade-offs between predatory demands and prey productivities, with the aim to inform management of top predators. Focusing on the Lake Michigan fish community, we assessed these trade-offs in terms of predation mortalities and productivities of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and functional responses of salmonines. Our predation mortality estimates suggested that salmonine consumption has been a major driver of prey dynamics, with sharp declines in alewife abundance in the 1960s–1980s and the 2000s coinciding with increased predation rates. Our functional response analysis indicated that feedback mechanisms are unlikely to help maintain a predator–prey balance, with Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) consumption declining only at the lowest prey densities, while the other salmonines consumed prey at a maximum rate across all observed prey densities. This study demonstrates that a multispecies modeling approach combining stock assessment methods with explicit consideration of predator–prey interactions can provide a basis for tactical decision-making from a broader ecosystem perspective.
HIGH-IMPACT PP NANOCOMPOSITES: INFLUENCE OF CLAY CONTENT ON MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES
Authors: FURLAN L. G. , OLIVEIRA RICARDO V. B. , MELLO ANDRÉIA C. E. , LIBERMAN SUSANA A. , OVIEDO MAURO A. S. , MAULER RAQUEL S.
Published: January 2014

The preparation of high-impact polypropylene nanocomposites with different organo-montmorillonite (O-MMT) contents by means of meltprocessing was investigated. The nanocomposite properties were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flexural modulus, izod impact strength, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was noticed that the PP/O-MMT nanocomposites properties were affected by clay content. Exceptional improvements in impact strength were obtained (maximum of 185%) by the use of low O-MMT content. The results showed that higher enhancement on mechanical/thermal properties was obtained by 3 wt.% of O-MMT instead of higher quantities.
DESIGN OF LOW POWER 14T FULL ADDER CELL USING DOUBLE GATE MOSFET WITH MTCMOS REDUCTION TECHNIQUE AT 45 NANOMETER TECHNOLOGY
Authors: SHRIVASTAVA ANUJ KUMAR , AKASHE SHYAM
Published: January 2014

Full adder is the basic block of arithmetic circuit found in microcontroller and microprocessor inside arithmetic and logic unit (ALU). Improving the performance of the adder is essential for upgrading the performance of digital electronics circuit where adder is employed. In this paper, a single bit full adder circuit has been designed with the help of double gate (MOSFET), the used parameters value has been varied significantly for improving the performance of full adder circuit. Double gate transistor circuit considers as a promising candidate for low power application domain as well as used in radio frequency (RF) devices. Multi-threshold CMOS (MTCMOS) is the most used circuit technique to reduce the leakage current in idle circuit. In this paper, different parameters are analyzed on MTCMOS Technique. MTCMOS technique achieves 99.6% reduction of leakage current, active power is reduced by 42.64% and delay is reduced by 71.9% as compared with conventional double gate 14T full adder. Simulation results of double gate full adder have been performed on cadence virtuoso tool with 45 nm technology.
Laser polarization-variable autofluorescence of the network of optically anisotropic biological tissues: Diagnostics and differentiation of early stages of cancer ofcervix uteri
Authors: Ushenko Yu. A. , Sidor M. I. , Pashkovskaia N. , Koval G. D. , Marchuk Yu. F. , Andreichuk D.
Published: January 2014

This research presents the results of investigation of laser polarization fluorescence of biological layers (histological sections, cytological smears) in the task of diagnostics and differentiation of early stages of cancer: Dysplasia — cervical microinvasive carcinoma of cervix uteri. The analytical conditions of polarization-optimal probing of biological layers were determined basing on the model of linear birefringence and dichroism of birefringent (fibrillar, porphyrin) networks. The technique of polarization-variable laser autofluorescence was developed and experimentally tested. The objective criteria (statistical moments) of differentiation of histological sections autofluorescent images of endometrium biopsy and cytological smears of it mucous coat were defined. The operational characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy) of this technique were determined concerning the positions of probative medicine, and clinical efficiency.
Leanness and heightened nonresting energy expenditure: role of skeletal muscle activity thermogenesis
Authors: Gavini Chaitanya K. , Mukherjee Sromona , Shukla Charu , Britton Steven L. , Koch Lauren G. , Shi Haifei , Novak Colleen M.
Published: January 2014

A high-calorie diet accompanied by low levels of physical activity (PA) accounts for the widespread prevalence of obesity today, and yet some people remain lean even in this obesogenic environment. Here, we investigate the cause for this exception. A key trait that predicts high PA in both humans and laboratory rodents is intrinsic aerobic capacity. Rats artificially selected as high-capacity runners (HCR) are lean and consistently more physically active than their low-capacity runner (LCR) counterparts; this applies to both males and females. Here, we demonstrate that HCR show heightened total energy expenditure (TEE) and hypothesize that this is due to higher nonresting energy expenditure (NREE; includes activity EE). After matching for body weight and lean mass, female HCR consistently had heightened nonresting EE, but not resting EE, compared with female LCR. Because of the dominant role of skeletal muscle in nonresting EE, we examined muscle energy use. We found that lean female HCR had higher muscle heat dissipation during activity, explaining their low economy of activity and high activity EE. This may be due to the amplified skeletal muscle expression levels of proteins involved in EE and reduced expression levels of proteins involved in energy conservation in HCR relative to LCR. This is also associated with an increased sympathetic drive to skeletal muscle in HCR compared with LCR. We find little support for the hypothesis that resting metabolic rate is correlated with maximal aerobic capacity if body size and composition are fully considered; rather, the critical factor appears to be activity thermogenesis.