bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prophylactic tranexamic acid for reducing blood loss in pregnant females undergoing cesarean section: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al Naimi Ammar , Ma Haobo , Pearl Abarna , Yungtum Greg , Rangasamy Valluvan
Published: July 2024

Objective

We aim to assess the efficacy of prophylactic tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss after cesarean section (CS).

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for randomized controlled trials published between 1990 and 2023 to conduct a meta‐analysis on adult women undergoing CS and receiving prophylactic TXA.

Results

Twenty‐four trials, comprising 19 584 participants, were included. Most studies included women with healthy, full‐term, singleton pregnancies. The pooled estimate showed a reduction in mean blood loss in the TXA arm with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of −1.50 (−2.03, −0.98: p < 0.001). There was a high level of heterogeneity (I2 98.86%). A subgroup analysis demonstrated no statistical difference in the effect of TXA on blood loss at 2 h of follow‐up with SMD of −2.24 (−3.23, −1.35) compared to −1.07 (−1.56, −0.58) and −1.10 (−2.62, −0.42) at 24 and 48 h, respectively (p = 0.11). The effect of TXA on blood loss was smaller in high‐income countries with SMD −0.24 (−0.44, −0.04) (I2 63%) than in low‐/middle‐income countries −1.78 (−2.35, −1.21) with I2 98%. Only three studies had low risk of bias and the effect of TXA from two of them was SMD −0.31 (−0.54, −0.09) (I2 0%).

Conclusions

Despite the apparent beneficial effect of TXA in reducing blood loss after CS for women with uncomplicated term pregnancies, heterogeneity remains a serious concern. The current body of knowledge consists predominantly of small, likely biased studies, and large unbiased studies show only limited effects of prophylactic TXA.
Sexual reproductive health and rights awareness among members of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Fukuhara Rie , Yokoyama Yoshihito , Kakogawa Jun , Koide Keiko , Song Mihyon , Tanabe Kyoko , Tsushima Ruriko , Makino Shintaro , Hasuo Yutaka , Ogita Kazuhide , Unno Nobuya , Kato Kiyoko , Kimura Tadashi ,   Reproductive Health Promotion Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Published: July 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among the members of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) and identify what the JSOG should do to address SRHR issues.

Methods

A survey questionnaire on JSOG members' awareness of SRHR and what the JSOG should address regarding SRHR was administered in 2019 and 2023. Changes in awareness and the issues that should be addressed from the first to the second survey were evaluated.

Results

Seven hundred twelve members responded to the first survey and 506 to the second. Response rates were 4.2% and 2.9%, respectively. There was a significant increase in the number of respondents in the second survey who were aware of sexual reproductive health (SRH) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) compared with the first survey (SRH: 72.6%–86.4%; SDGs: 33.8%–86.4%). Most respondents agreed that SRHR should be promoted. In the first survey, cervical cancer was the most important issue, followed by women's right to self‐determination and family planning/contraception. In the second survey, women's right to self‐determination was the most important issue. Several free responses highlighted the importance of comprehensive sexuality education as a significant concern for SRHR.

Conclusion

Between 2019 and 2023, the level of awareness of SRHR among JSOG members increased. The identification of SRHR issues that should be addressed by the JSOG was confirmed. The JSOG and individual obstetricians and gynecologists are responsible for being involved in achieving SRHR.
Development of the Japanese Version of the Original and Short Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale
Authors: Kotera Yasuhiro , Asano Kenichi , Barnes Kristian , Burt Katharine , Liu Gillian , Lieu Jenai , Ohshima Remi , Edwards Ann‐Marie
Published: July 2024

Work motivation is important with regard to many organizational outcomes, including employee mental health and productivity. The Japanese workforce suffers from low levels of work motivation, associated with poor mental health and compromised productivity. One established measure of work motivation is the Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale (WEIMS), based on the Self‐Determination Theory (SDT). However, the Japanese version of WEIMS (JWEIMS) has yet to be developed. Likewise, the Japanese version of the short form WEIMS (SWEIMS) does not exist, either (JSWEIMS). This study aimed to validate JWEIMS and JSWEIMS. Japanese employees (n = 165) responded to JWEIMS, and the data were analyzed through a minimum average partial, parallel analysis, and exploratory factor analysis with the internal consistencies identified. Both JWEIMS and JSWEIMS demonstrated a three‐factor structure. Internal consistencies were high. In both versions, more intrinsic types of motivation were categorized as one factor. JWEIMS and JSWEIMS are the only work motivation scales established on SDT in Japanese. The factor structure difference from the original scales highlights the collectivistic and success‐driven nature of Japanese culture, relative to Canadian and UK cultures.
Dynamic pattern of postprandial bile acids in paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Huang Jiating , Lin Hu , Liu A‐Na , Wu Wei , Alisi Anna , Loomba Rohit , Xu Cuifang , Xiang Wenqin , Shao Jie , Dong Guanping , Zheng Ming‐Hua , Fu Junfen , Ni Yan
Published: July 2024

Background

Dysregulation of bile acids (BAs), as important signalling molecules in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, contributes to the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, static BA profiles during fasting may obscure certain pathogenetic aspects. In this study, we investigate the dynamic alterations of BAs in response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) among children with NAFLD.

Methods

We recruited 230 subjects, including children with overweight/obesity, or complicated with NAFLD, and healthy controls. Serum BAs, 7‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (C4) and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) were quantified during OGTT. Clinical markers related to liver function, lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism were assessed at baseline or during OGTT.

Findings

Conjugated BAs increased while unconjugated ones decreased after glucose uptake. Most BAs were blunted in response to glucose in NAFLD (p > .05); only glycine and taurine‐conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and cholic acid (CA) were responsive (p < .05). Primary BAs were significantly increased while secondary BAs were decreased in NAFLD. C4 and FGF19 were significantly increased while their ratio FGF19/C4 ratio was decreased in NAFLD. The dynamic pattern of CDCA and taurine‐conjugated hyocholic acid (THCA) species was closely correlated with glucose (correlation coefficient r = .175 and −.233, p < .05), insulin (r = .327 and −.236, p < .05) and c‐peptide (r = .318 and −.238, p < .05). Among which, CDCA was positively associated with liver fat content in NAFLD (r = .438, p < .05). Additionally, glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA), CDCA and THCA were potential biomarkers to discriminate paediatric NAFLD from healthy controls and children with obesity.

Interpretation

This study provides novel insights into the dynamics of BAs during OGTT in paediatric NAFLD. The observed variations in CDCA and HCA species were associated with liver dysfunction, dyslipidaemia and dysglycaemia, highlighting their potential roles as promising diagnostic and therapeutic targets in NAFLD.
Dietary diversity and associated factors among households and children in internally displaced person camps in Southern Somalia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ali Mohamed K. , Berglund Lars , Flacking Renée , Sulaiman Munshi , Osman Fatumo
Published: July 2024

The study aimed to assess household and child dietary diversity in Southern Somalia by identifying determinants of adequate dietary diversity in three internally displaced person (IDP) camps in Baidoa, Dayniile and Dharkanley. A total of 1655 female main caregivers with 2370 children (6–59 months old) were included. Data on household dietary diversity score and child dietary diversity score indicators were collected from all households. The questionnaire was read face‐to‐face to the female main caregivers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with adequate dietary diversity, which was defined as the consumption of at least four food groups within 24 h before the survey. The proportion of households achieving adequate HDDS was high in all locations 95.8%, 96.9% and 89.0% in Baidoa, Dharkanley and Dayniile, respectively, and the total adequate household dietary diversity score (AHDDS) was 95.6%. The proportion of adequate child dietary diversity score (ACDDS) was achieved in 63.5%, 8.5% and 38.3%. The main factors associated with AHDDS were larger household size, greater wealth, attendance of antenatal care (ANC) and joint decision‐making between husband and wife, while factors associated with ACDDS included ANC attendance, age, the consumption of ready‐to‐use therapeutic food and deworming tablets. These findings can guide future programmes and policies aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition in IDP camps in Somalia. By tackling these diverse factors, a promising pathway emerges to enhance the nutritional welfare of both households and children in IDP camps.
Host range of a parasitoid wasp is linked to host susceptibility to its mutualistic viral symbiont
Authors: Coffman K. A. , Kauwe A. N. , Gillette N. E. , Burke G. R. , Geib S. M.
Published: July 2024

Parasitoid wasps are one of the most species‐rich groups of animals on Earth, due to their ability to successfully develop as parasites of nearly all types of insects. Unlike most known parasitoid wasps that specialize towards one or a few host species, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata is a generalist that can survive within multiple genera of tephritid fruit fly hosts, including many globally important pest species. Diachasmimorpha longicaudata has therefore been widely released to suppress pest populations as part of biological control efforts in tropical and subtropical agricultural ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the role of a mutualistic poxvirus in shaping the host range of D. longicaudata across three genera of agricultural pest species: two of which are permissive hosts for D. longicaudata parasitism and one that is a nonpermissive host. We found that permissive hosts Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera dorsalis were highly susceptible to manual virus injection, displaying rapid virus replication and abundant fly mortality. However, the nonpermissive host Zeugodacus cucurbitae largely overcame virus infection, exhibiting substantially lower mortality and no virus replication. Investigation of transcriptional dynamics during virus infection demonstrated hindered viral gene expression and limited changes in fly gene expression within the nonpermissive host compared with the permissive species, indicating that the host range of the viral symbiont may influence the host range of D. longicaudata wasps. These findings also reveal that viral symbiont activity may be a major contributor to the success of D. longicaudata as a generalist parasitoid species and a globally successful biological control agent.
Emotion descriptions and musical expressiveness
Authors: Liu Michelle
Published: July 2024

Emotion terms such as “sad”, “happy”, and “joyful” apply to a wide range of entities. We use them to refer to mental states of sentient beings, and also to describe features of non‐mental things such as comportment, nature, events, artworks and so on. Drawing on the literature on polysemy, this article provides an in‐depth analysis of emotion descriptions. It argues that emotion terms are polysemous and distinguishes seven related senses. In addition, the article applies the analysis to shed light on a long‐standing debate in philosophy of music concerning emotion descriptions of music.
Task complexity and L2 writing performance of young learners: Contributions of cognitive and affective factors
Authors: Li Chengchen , Wei Li , Lu Xiaojun
Published: July 2024

The study investigated the effect of task complexity (TC) on second language (L2) learners’ affective responses and writing performance and how these were modulated by cognitive and affective individual difference (ID) factors. A total of 412 Chinese 8th‐grade English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language learners completed a working memory (WM) test, a scale measuring trait‐like L2 writing enjoyment, a simple (n = 206) or complex (n = 206) argumentative writing task, and posttask scales measuring task‐specific enjoyment and motivation. Independentt‐test results showed that increased TC contributed to a slight but significant enhancement in task motivation and enjoyment and a significant performance improvement in content and organization but not in language. Structural equation modeling results showed that the cognitive and affective ID factors predicted writing performance jointly: WM and task motivation predicted writing performance consistently in both simple and complex tasks, task‐specific enjoyment only played its role in the complex task, and trait‐like enjoyment became insignificant in predicting task performance. These findings support the integrated task‐mediated cognitive–affective model of L2 writing we propose by synthesizing and extending existing models. This study highlights the need to pay attention to the affective dimension of tasks and suggests TC as an intervention strategy to make a task more motivating and enjoyable.
Evaluating a web‐based visual acuity and refractive error self‐assessment tool in myopic children
Authors: Claessens Janneau L. J. , Janssen Marloes A. , van der Zee Casper , Polling Jan Roelof , Meester‐Smoor Magda A. , Klaver Caroline C. W. , Wisse Robert P. L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Demands for myopia management are rising. A web‐based tool that allows home‐performed self‐assessments of visual acuity (VA) and refractive error may enable hybrid care pathways and aid in identifying those with deteriorating visual performance. The tool has been validated in adult populations, but has yet to be evaluated in children. This study compared home‐performed VA and refraction self‐assessments to conventional measurements obtained at the clinic in a population of myopic children.

Methods

Myopic children aged ≥6 years old were invited to perform web‐based eye tests at home, assisted by a parent. At two myopia control clinics, they also underwent measurements of VA using a Snellen chart and refractive error using cycloplegic autorefraction. Agreement between the tests, repeatability of the web‐based test and associations between clinical characteristics and web‐based test accuracy were evaluated.

Results

A total of 147 children were enrolled, of whom 116 (51% male; mean age 13 ± 3 years; mean spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) −5.58 ± 3.05) performed the web‐based tests at home. Overall, the home‐performed VA self‐assessment and the Snellen chart assessment at the clinic agreed well (mean difference 0.03 ± 0.11 logMAR). A significant proportional bias was identified (β 0.65, p < 0.001), indicating underestimated web‐based VA scores when the child's vision declined. The sensitivity to detect VA poorer than 0.10 logMAR was 94%; the specificity was 71%. The web‐based refractive error algorithm measured more myopia progression compared to clinic observations (mean difference SEQ 0.40 ± 0.51 dioptres). Age, sex or use of atropine drops were not significantly associated with test accuracy.

Conclusions

The web‐based test for self‐assessing vision, performed at home by children with assistance from their parents, yielded VA scores with a precision similar to Snellen chart testing conducted in a clinical setting. However, the web‐based refractive error algorithm overestimated myopia progression and requires recalibration for this specific age group.
Improving memory through choice and deliberation in decision‐making: Evidence from ERPs
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Dai Jiaojian , Tian Liuqing , Xu Zhihe , Zhang Mingxia , Zhang Peng , Guo Chunyan , Li Qi
Published: July 2024

The goal of decision‐making is to select one option and disregard the others. However, deliberation can also create a memory association between the chosen and unchosen options. This study aims to investigate how choice and deliberation affect the memory of postdecision options and the underlying mechanisms. Using event‐related potentials (ERPs), we examined item recognition (Experiment 1) and associative recognition (Experiment 2) following certain and uncertain decisions. In Experiment 1, items that were chosen in certain decisions were remembered better than unchosen items. There was no difference between chosen and unchosen items in uncertain decisions. Moreover, a late recollection‐related LPC (a late positive component) old/new effect was larger for chosen items than unchosen items in certain decisions. The early familiarity‐related FN400 and the late recollection‐related LPC old/new effects were significant for chosen and unchosen items in uncertain decisions. In Experiment 2, there was no difference in performance on associative memory. A FN400 old/new effect (an index of integration) in certain or uncertain decisions was not observed. Although significant LPC old/new effects were found in both certain and uncertain decisions, no difference was found between them. These results propose that decision‐making can enhance item memory performance through two distinct processes: value and elaboration. Elaboration involves focusing on the details within items rather than integrating items into a cohesive whole.
Comprehensive assessment of periodontal health in cerebral palsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Thais Alves , Drumond Victor Zanetti , Kimura Anna Carolina Rye Sato , de Arruda José Alcides Almeida , Pani Sharat Chandra , Mesquita Ricardo Alves , da Rocha Najara Barbosa , Abreu Lucas Guimarães
Published: July 2024

Aims

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the term for a set of neurological disorders resulting from brain damage that impairs motor function. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to determine whether individuals with CP are at a greater risk of negative periodontal health outcomes compared to those without CP.

Methods

This study followed the recommendations of the MOOSE guidelines. Electronic searches were conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, Embase, and PsycInfo databases. Observational studies assessing periodontal outcomes in individuals with CP were included. Risk of bias was appraised using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Meta‐analyses were conducted and the results were presented using standardized mean differences (SMD), odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The strength of the evidence was also assessed.

Results

A total of 316 records were retrieved from the electronic databases, 17 of which were included in the qualitative synthesis. Meta‐analyses revealed significantly higher scores in individuals with CP compared to those without CP for the oral hygiene index (SMD = 0.47 [95% CI: 0.17–0.78, I2 = 80%), gingival index (SMD = 0.75 [95% CI: 0.39–1.11], I2 = 79%), plaque index (SMD = 0.70 [95% CI: 0.07–1.33], I2 = 93%), and calculus index (SMD = 0.98 [95% CI: 0.76–1.20], I2 = 0%). However, no significant difference was found between groups for the prevalence of gingivitis (OR = 1.27 [95% CI: 0.28–5.66], I2 = 93%). The risk of bias for the outcome assessment and statistical tests was low. The strength of the evidence was deemed very low.

Conclusion

Individuals with CP may experience more significant negative periodontal health outcomes compared to those without CP.
Rubisco kinetic adaptations to extreme environments
Authors: Aguiló‐Nicolau Pere , Iñiguez Concepción , Capó‐Bauçà Sebastià , Galmés Jeroni
Published: July 2024

Photosynthetic and chemosynthetic extremophiles have evolved adaptations to thrive in challenging environments by finely adjusting their metabolic pathways through evolutionary processes. A prime adaptation target to allow autotrophy in extreme conditions is the enzyme Rubisco, which plays a central role in the conversion of inorganic to organic carbon. Here, we present an extensive compilation of Rubisco kinetic traits from a wide range of species of bacteria, archaea, algae, and plants, sorted by phylogenetic group, Rubisco type, and extremophile type. Our results show that Rubisco kinetics for the few extremophile organisms reported up to date are placed at the margins of the enzyme's natural variability. Form ID Rubisco from thermoacidophile rhodophytes and form IB Rubisco from halophile terrestrial plants exhibit higher specificity and affinity for CO2 than their non‐extremophilic counterparts, as well as higher carboxylation efficiency, whereas form ID Rubisco from psychrophile organisms possess lower affinity for O2. Additionally, form IB Rubisco from thermophile cyanobacteria shows enhanced CO2 specificity when compared to form IB non‐extremophilic cyanobacteria. Overall, these findings highlight the unique characteristics of extremophile Rubisco enzymes and provide useful clues to guide next explorations aimed at finding more efficient Rubiscos.
WIND-MOMENT DESIGN FOR UNBRACED FRAMES WITH BENDING ABOUT BOTH COLUMN AXES
Authors: Md Tahir Mahmood
Published: July 2024

Analysis and design of steel unbraced frames bending on both axes were performed with emphasis on stability and deflection checks. Wind-moment design is proposed to improve the stability and stiffness. The performance of the frames was checked for collapse load level at Ultimate Limit State (ULS) for 2nd order anaysis and the deflection limits at Serviceability Limit State checked for Ist order analysis. The investigation demonstrated that the frames should be restricted to less than four storeys.
Estimating Laterally Loaded Pile Response
Authors: Lee C. Y.
Published: July 2024

A simplified and practical approach for estimating the laterally loadedpiles in an elastic homogeneous soil is presented. The formulation of theapproach is similar to the conventional subgrade reaction theory but theresponse of the soil mass is evaluated by a semi-analytical solution that isrelated to the actual soil properties and the pile geometry instead of theconventional subgrade reaction modulus. Modified closed-form solutionsfor a free-head pile embedded in an elastic homogeneous soil arepresented. The solutions computed by using the proposed simplifiedapproach and the more rigorous boundary element approach for free-headpiles embedded in homogeneous soils are in reasonably good agreement
BED LOAD TRANSPORT FROM A REGENERATED FOREST CATCHMENT IN SARAWAK
Authors: J.G. Geoffery, , Yusop Zulkifli
Published: July 2024

This note presents preliminary results of a study on bed load transport from a 0.6 km2 forested catchment in Sarawak, Malaysia, once affected by logging activities. The influence of rainfall and stream discharge on bedload production was investigated. The estimated 6 months total bedload of the study area was 0.54 tons or 0.18 t/ km2/month.
POLYHYDROXYALKANOATES (PHAS) PRODUCTION FROM AEROBIC-MIXED CULTURES
Authors: Md Din Mohd Fadhil , Ujang Zaini , Loosdrecht Mark van , Muhd Yunus Salmiati , Ahmad Mohd Azlan
Published: July 2024

This study assessed the optimal conditions for PHA production using saponified fatty acid, derived from sunflower oil (SO). A fed-batch reactor was used to produce PHA. A mixture of sewage and semi-treated oil palm effluent from a facultative pond was cultured for six months to obtain a steady-state condition. The culture was then transferred to the fed-batch system. SO mainly contains long-chain-fatty-acid (LCFA) with unsaturated fatty acid fractions of C14:1 â€“ C18:3, therefore the PHA production was assessed under feast-famine condition. The main purpose of supplementing saponified SO was to improve the production of PHA constituents (copolymer of hydroxyl-unit) such as hydroxybutyrates (HBs), hydroxyvalerates (HVs) and hydroxyhexanoates (HHs) in mixed cultures. Fed-batch operation under aerobic-mixed cultures increased the PHA production up to 33% of the dried cell. Although sludge submitted to aerobic condition in mixed cultures could improve the PHA production, the production rates are still low. This study found that the HBs constituent in the sludge is always higher compared to HVs and HHs. Saponified SO has high specific PHA storage rates (qp feast = 0.5 C-mol/C-mol. h) which are comparable to other vegetable oils (e.g. corn oil, soy bean oil, etc.)
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF HIGH VOLUME SLAG CEMENT GROUT IN TROPICAL CLIMATE
Authors: Hussin Mohd Warid , Kang Lim Siong , Zakaria Fadhadli
Published: July 2024

Concrete repair is a complex process. It must successfully integrate new material with the old one to form a lasting composite that can withstand harsh environment. Cement based grout is used for most general repair works due to its low cost and availability. This research, however, used ordinary Portland cement and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as binders to produce a slag cement based grout. The research objective is to produce a sufficient mix proportion for slag cement based grout that has good engineering properties and can be used as concrete repair material in tropical climates. Flow cone test was used to determine the mix proportions of cement grout. Several batches of 50% slag replacement cement mixes were designed and tested for its flowability and compressive strength properties. Finally, the mix proportion with fresh properties, namely workability, bleeding, and setting time that fulfill the requirements of ASTM C 937 and has optimum strength development was selected. The optimum compressive strength obtained for 50% slag replacement cement grout was above 30 MPa and its flexural strength was above 9 MPa under water curing condition. Result of drying shrinkage test strengthened the finding that the replacement of 50% slag as binder to cement mix with proper mix proportion is suitable to be used in normal grade concrete repairs under tropical climate
RECONSTRUCTION OF VOLUME AND SPREAD OF FLOOD WATER IN VELACHERY AREA THROUGH FIELD INVESTIGATION
Authors: S.Suriya S.Suriya , Gopinath Gopinath , B.V.Mudgal B.V.Mudgal , K.Karunakaran K.Karunakaran
Published: July 2024

Floods are uncontrollable natural event causing loss of life and damage to public property. The flood water has to be managed so that it can be used for many purposes. The extent of inundation and the depth of flooding can be estimated using remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information System) techniques. This study intends to focus on the aspect of field investigation along with GIS to reconstruct a Flood event so as to estimate the flood volume and extent. Field investigation shows that Velachery area of Chennai city in India is subjected to severe flooding. This study is an attempt in reconstructing the flood event of December 03, 2005 through field investigation in Velachery area. Field of study has been restricted to the Velachery area.
PREDICTION OF SCOUR AROUND HYDRAULIC STRUCTURE USING SOFT COMPUTING TECHNIQUES
Authors: H. Md. Azamathulla H. Md. Azamathulla , Ab Ghani Aminuddin , Zakaria Nor Azazi
Published: July 2024

The problem of accurate prediction of the depth of scour around hydraulic structure (trajectory spillways) has been based on the experimental studies and the equations developed were mainly empirical in nature. This paper evaluates the performance of the soft computing techiques, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy System (ANFIS), for the prediction of scour around hydraulic structure. The results are very promising (AE = -0.09882 %, = 12.509 % and RMSE = 0.56921) and demonstrate the strength of these intelligent techniques in predicting highly nonlinear scour parameters.
TREND REMOVAL IN SOIL PROPERTY
Authors: Set Foong Ng , Jit Kheng Lim
Published: July 2024

It is often that trend in the form of linear or curvature appears in soil properties. Trend removal is necessary in many engineering applications where the residuals obtained would be used for further analyses. If trend in the data is not removed, a larger inherent soil variability compare to the actual one would be obtained. In this paper, a guideline relates the necessity of trend removal to the magnitude of R 2 (coefficient of determination) is established. A parametric study is also done in order to investigate the effect of trend removal on the accuracy of standard deviation
PROPERTIES OF MULTI-BLENDED CEMENT MORTARS USING AGRO-INDUSTRIAL WASTES
Authors: Rafique Bhutta Muhammad Aamer , Sumadi Salihuddin Radin , Hussin Mohd. Warid
Published: July 2024

This study is conducted to investigate the performance of multi-blended pozzolan admixtures as partial cement replacement in cement mortars. Eight types of mixtures were prepared using various agro-industrial wastes as admixtures such as pulverized fuel ash, rice husk ash, slag, and palm oil fuel ash, of which four mixtures have different percentages of admixtures (Multi Blended Cement, MBC), and the others four are single mix (Binary Blended Cement, BBC). The experimental work initially deals with workability, compressive strength development, water absorption, and total porosity of MBC and BBC mortars cured at different curing conditions. The effects of different percentages of MBC and BBC mortars with different water-cement ratios were examined in terms of workability and compressive strength to achieve optimum mix proportions for MBC and BBC mortars. MBC system produced low permeability mortar compared to control, and BBC mortars. The strength properties of MBC mortars were more significant than control and BBC mortars when provided with appropriate curing
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON RAINFALL OVER KERIAN, MALAYSIA WITH LONG ASHTON RESEARCH STATION WEATHER GENERATOR (LARS-WG)E CHANGE ON RAINFALL OVER KERIAN, MALAYSIA WITH LONG ASHTON RESEARCH STATION WEATHER GENERATOR (LARS-WG)
Authors: Hassan Zulkarnain , Harun Sobri
Published: July 2024

General circulation models (GCMs) have been widely used in the climate community, to generate the future climate variation based on the climate scenarios. However, the GCMsâ€™ variables need to be downscaled into a fine resolution before they can be applied for the climate impact assessment. Therefore, Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG), which utilized the Stochastic Weather Generators, is applied. The catchment at Kerian, located at the state of Perak, Malaysia had been chosen as the case study. Based on the LARS-WG simulation result, the rainfall trend is not much different from the present. From January until April and December, the daily rainfall is expected to decrease continuously for every interval future period. From May until November, the decrease of future daily rainfall is expected to happen. The annual rainfall pattern illustrates that the annual rainfall intensity is concentrated on the area at the upper stream of river (Selama and Batu Kurau) and it is expected to increase continuously for every interval future period.
LOAD-MOMENT INTERACTION DIAGRAMS OF SLENDER PARTIALLY ENCASED COMPOSITE COLUMNS
Authors: Ali Saima , Begum Mahbuba
Published: July 2024

Partially Encased Composite (PEC) Columns consist of thin-walled built-up H-shaped steel sections with links welded near the flange tips and concrete cast between the flanges. To predict the strength and ductility of slender PEC columns, Newmarkâ€™s numerical iterative procedure is implemented. Overall column slenderness ratio, flange plate slenderness ratio and concrete strength are the selected parameters to observe the variation of strength and ductility of slender PEC column. Bending of column about both the strong and weak axis is considered to observe the significance of the selected parameters. In strong axis bending, a decrease in strength is found with the increase of overall slenderness ratio and flange plate slenderness ratio. Again, failure envelope of column strength curve becomes smaller with the increase of overall slenderness ratio. It implies the ductility of slender PEC column decreases with the increase of the overall slenderness ratio. Moreover, similar behaviour is observed with the increase of flange plate slenderness ratio. As the strength of concrete increases, strength of slender PEC column is observed to increase by significant amount. Similar behaviour is observed in weak axis bending along with some drop in strength
MIXTURE DESIGN AND TESTING OF ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE
Authors: MÃ¡ca Petr , SovjÃ¡k Radoslav , Konvalinka Petr
Published: July 2024

This paper describes the mixture formulation process of Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC). The mixture was developed without using heat treatment, pressure or special mixer. Only ordinary materials available commercially in the Czech Republic were utilized throughout the process. In the first step of the process the cementitious matrix was optimized with respect to its compressive strength and workability. Several types of high-range water reducers (HRWR) and different mixture proportions were tested. In the second step of the optimization process short, high tensile strength steel fibers were added into the matrix that showed highest workability and strength. The compressive strength of the resulting UHPFRC mixtures exceeded 150 MPa after 28 days and the flexural strength in three point bending was in the range of 40 MPa. Such high strengths were achieved due to the utilization of the high strength fibers and low water-to-binder ratio. During the optimization process different amounts of fibers were tested. It was found that with respect to acceptable workability the optimal fiber content is between 2 and 3% by volume.
CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONALITY AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON PROFESSIONALS WITHIN THE FIELD OF CONSTRUCTION IN BANDUNG
Authors: Herni Setiawan Theresita , Bhakti Rendy Setia
Published: July 2024

Construction project has unique characteristics. The success of the project can be measured by the effective target achievement. In construction, human resource is one of the important factors. By identifying and acknowledging the types of personality and emotional intelligence of a team of professionals within the construction field, it is expected to develop and maximize the expertise of the project team in order to achieve the success of the construction project. An interesting factor to research is the proportion type of personality and emotional intelligence of construction professionals based on the work experience and the position level within the contractor management team. This study was conducted by questionnaire to the respondents who are professionals in the construction field in the city of Bandung. Based on the result of the analysis, it seems that the level of experience and position have a considerate influence in shaping the type of personality and emotional intelligence. Professionals with experience under five years and beginner level positions tend to be ambitious, creative, always trying something new,and higly motivated in his work. As they gain experience and level positions, the mentioned characteristics changes to be someone with high leadership skills, good self-management skills, and also skillfull in managing relationship with others.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF WASTED TILES AS COATING MATERIALS FOR PAVEMENT SURFACE TEMPERATURE REDUCTION
Authors: Anting Nickholas , Md Din Mohd Fadhil , Ponraj Mohanadoss , Jungan Karlvin , Mat Taib Shazwin , Iwao Kenzo , Chelliapan Shreeshivadasan , Ubukata Naoki
Published: July 2024

Urban heat island (UHI) is the phenomenon that temperatures in urban area reach a relatively higher value than its surroundings areas due to urbanisation. Pavement is one of the urban fabrics that contribute to UHI, due to its ability to absorb high amount of heat from solar radiation. In the tile production process, cracked or broken tile bodies are not accepted as commercial products and they are too impure to be reused and is usually discarded as unsold waste. This scenario could possibly lead to environmental problems. This study focuses on three types of wasted tiles (Full Body Porcelain, Monoporosa, Glazed Porcelain) from a chosen tile industrial factory, as coating materials for pavement surface. The main purpose of this study is to obtain specific information regarding the significance characterization of three types of wasted tiles as coating materials on pavement surface. The title characterization showed that Full Body Porcelain contains the highest bulk density value of 1366.699 kg/m3 and highest particle density of 2580 kg/m3 , whereas Monoporosa has the highest porosity value of (56.8%) and Monoporosa posses the highest amount of void content (56.85%) between the aggregate particles. The X-Ray Fluorescence study shows that Full Body Porcelain contains the highest amount of SiOâ‚‚ (66.50 wt%), when compared to other two wasted tiles used during this study. As a conclusion these three types of wasted tiles have the potential and promising UHI mitigation benefits to be considered as coating materials for the pavement surface.
CULTIVATION OF SULPHATE REDUCING BACTERIA IN DIFFERENT MEDIA
Authors: Ismail Mardhiah , Yahaya Nordin , Abu Bakar Akrima , N.M. Noor N.M. Noor
Published: July 2024

Sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) represent themselves as a class of anaerobic bacteria that can reduce sulphate to sulphide for obtaining energy. This paper is aimed to detect sulphatereducing bacteria activities using rapid detectable culture media. Two different strains of sulphate-reducing bacteria were used in this study, namely ATCC 7757 and local bacterial strain of SRB isolated from underground sample. Both strains were tested on three recommended culture media of modified Baarâ€Ÿs, Postgate B and Postgate C. All three medium contained lactic acid which served to be as carbon source. The results showed that modified Baarâ€Ÿs medium is the best medium for the growth of ATCC 7757 while Postgate C medium is recommended for the local SRB bacterial strain.
EFFECT OF WEATHERING ON THE PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE BASED NONMETALLIC PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS WASTE COMPOSITE
Authors: Muniyandi Shantha Kumari , Sohaili Johan , Hassan Azman
Published: July 2024

The weathering performances of nonmetallic printed circuit boards (PCB)-filled recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) was investigated in this study. The compression molded rHDPE/PCB composite was exposed to both natural and accelerated weathering attacks. The durability of rHDPE/PCB composites was compared to neat unfilled rHDPE and virgin HDPE (vHDPE). When the exposure time increased, the color of rHDPE faded faster than vHDPE. The surface of composites with 30 and 50 wt% nonmetallic PCB flaked off after being exposed to both weathering conditions. Prolonged weathering exposure also caused loss of impact strength of all the samples with and without nonmetallic PCB filler. In general, composites with 30 and 50 wt% nonmetallic PCB is more resistible to weathering attacks as compared to unfilled rHDPE.
LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY OF BLOCKWORK ACTIVITY IN SELECTED PUBLIC BUILDING PROJECTS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Odesola Isaac Abiodun , Oladokun Michael Gbolagade
Published: July 2024

This study aims at establishing labour productivity norm and assignable causes of variability of construction labour productivity for blockwork activity. A descriptive survey research design approach was adopted. Data were collected on a gang comprising of a bricklayer and mate for 30 working days using project work study manual as the research instrument. Descriptive statistics and statistical control charts were the tools used for analysis. The results show that the average and baseline construction labour productivities of blockwork activity are 0.83m2/hr and 1.07m2/hr respectively. Variability in construction labour productivity of blockwork activity was observed to be due to assignable causes of weather condition and delay in supply of materials. It is recommended that ample consideration should be given to the effect of adverse weather condition during labour cost estimation by taking into cognisance the period of execution of the project. Similarly, adequate planning of construction resources will help in enhancing labour productivity on public building projects
MODELING RESIDUAL STRENGTH OF PALM KERNEL SHELL CONCRETE USING THE ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY FOR RIGID PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE
Authors: Yusuf Ibrahim Tunde , Jimoh Yinusa Alaro
Published: July 2024

This paper reports the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test method as a strategy for monitoring the flexural strength of palm kernel shell (PKS) concrete and adoption for routine maintenance of rigid pavements. The direct and indirect UPV measurements were made alongside respective mechanical properties of compression (cube) and flexural (slab) elements of concrete at various mixes and water/cement ratios. A total of 420 cubes (150 mm size) and 28 slabs of the PKS concrete were casted for nominal mixes of 1:1:1, 1:1:2, 1:11/2:3 and 1:2:4 and varying water/cement (w/c) ratios of 0.3-0.7(0.1). The two forms of the structural test elements were cured in water at laboratory temperature for 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 91 days. The elements were then subjected to nondestructive testing using the Pundit apparatus for determination of direct ultrasonic wave velocity and the elastic modulus at the various ages. The cubes were subsequently subjected to destructive compressive test. The established velocity-strength data set was then employed for the development of statistical Compressive strength-UPV and strengthâ€“ Age relationship for the palm kernel shell concrete. Also the indirect UPV measurements were made on the PKS concrete slabs and correlated with the direct UPV. The corresponding flexural strength model at w/c ratio of 0.5 was formulated, and its use as both the quality assurance model and routine rigid pavement maintenance for a lightweight concrete was equally developed. Results show that the UPV and the compressive strength of PKS Concrete increased with age but decreased with increase in w/c ratio and mixes. The strength-UPV models developed for all mixes were in the form of logarithm equation, at R2 values of 90% and more. The application of the developed model for a slab as rigid pavement maintenance/deterioration planning and design was substantially demonstrated in the paper.
CULTIVATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF AEROBIC GRANULAR SLUDGE FOR SIMULTANEOUS ORGANICS AND NUTRIENTS REMOVAL PERFORMANCES AT HIGH TEMPERATURE
Authors: Ab Halim Mohd Hakim , Azmi Siti Izaidah , Abdul Jamal Nur Syahida , Anuar Aznah Nor , Ujang Zaini , M. Bob Mustafa
Published: July 2024

With inoculum sludge from a conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant, a sequencing batch reactor fed with synthetic wastewater was operated at 50 Â± 1 Â°C to study the formation of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) for simultaneous organics and nutrients removal with a complete cycle time of 3 h. The AGS were successfully cultivated with excellent settling ability and demonstrated exceptional performance in the organics and nutrients removal with influent loading rate and COD/N ratio of 1.6 kg COD mâˆ’3 d âˆ’1 and 8.3, respectively. Stable, regular, dense and fast settling granule (average diameter, 2.0 mm and sludge volume index, 44.73 mL gâˆ’1 ) were developed in a single reactor. In addition, 85% COD removal efficiency was observed in the system at the maturation stage of the granulation, while its ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus removal efficiencies were up to 88% and 70%, respectively. The study demonstrated the capabilities of AGS formation in a single, high and slender column typebioreactor at high temperature which is suitable to be applied for hot climate and low humidity condition (e.g. Saudi Arabia).
HEAVY METAL REMOVAL IN A COMBINED UASB-DFAF AND HUASB-DFAF SYSTEM REACTORS TREATING MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER
Authors: Abd Kadir Mohd Afindy , Abdul Latiff Ab. Aziz , Daud Zawawi , Khaled Nadiah , Mustafa Fazlyana
Published: July 2024

Heavy metal pollution has nowadays becomes a serious environmental problem. Various methods for heavy metal removal from wastewater have been extensively studied in recent years. This study is carried out to investigate the removal of heavy metals (HMs) in a combined UASB-DFAF and HUASB-DFAF systems in treating municipal wastewater. The experiment was carried out as a lab scale model involving combinations of up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket as a primary treatment system, followed by down flow aerobic filter as a secondary treatment. Performance of UASB-DFAF is compared with HUASB-DFAF system to treat the heavy metals of Cd, Pb, Al, As, Zn, Mn and Fe. The removals of heavy metals were investigated in the UASB-DFAF and HUASB-DFAF against hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 23 hours, 15 hours and 11 hours. Influent COD concentration was fed into the reactors at a constant rate of 1000 mg/l. The influent is a mixture of modified domestic wastewater with glucose, peptone and meat extract. Effluent samples were collected from the reactors and were analyzed for concentration of heavy metals. Concentration of metals decreases from 0.17 to 0.04 Âµg/L with time for cadmium (Cd), from 10.4 to 0.88 Âµg L-1 for (Pb), from 36.64 to 7.12 Âµg L-1 for Zinc (Zn), from 2.93 to 1.56 Âµg L-1 for Arsenic (As), from 3077 to 650.57 Âµg L-1 for Ferum (Fe), from 61.53 to 13.01 Âµg L-1 for (Al) and increase from 349.28 to 453.03 Âµg L-1 for (Mn). All heavy metals analyses were conducted using ICP-MS and AAS.
FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF SPACE TRUSSES UNDER SEISMIC LOADS
Authors: Bakr Hala , Eltaly Boshra , Elabd Maher , Kandil Kameel
Published: July 2024

abstract
BEHAVIORS OF FIELD SOILCRETE CREATED BY A LIGHT WEIGHT EQUIPMENT SYSTEM TO REINFORCE AN EARTH LEVEE IN VIETNAM
Authors: Tran-Nguyen Hoang-Hung , Le Bao Khac , Le Long Phi
Published: July 2024

The current techniques reinforcing earth levees in the Mekong Delta have been less effective. The soil cement deep mixing technology (SCDM) using a small light weight equipment system has high potential to reinforce earth levees effectively and sustainably due to utilization of the in-situ soils. This paper investigated characteristics of field soilcrete created by a small light weight equipment system known as the NSV system in Dong Thap province which is one of thirteen provinces in the Mekong Delta. A 30-m soilcrete wall was completely constructed using the NSV in Dong Thap province. A 0.5-m thick wall of single row soilcrete columns and a 1-m thick wall of double row soilcrete columns with a depth of 8 m were built in 15 m long. Unconfined compressive strength test (UCS) was employed to determine the strength and stiffness of soilcrete specimens. About 60 soilcrete specimens were successfully made and tested using a UCS instrument in laboratory. Unconfined compressive strength, qu, inside a soilcrete column was higher than those of the designed strength about 4 to 5 times. The qu of 2-column overlapped locations was higher than those of inside columns about 1.6 to 2.5 times. The qu of 3-column overlapped locations was lower than those of inside columns about 1.4 to 1.6 times. Ratio of secant modulus of elasticity to UCS is about 28 to 140 times.