bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Is Good Isn't Always Fair: On the Unintended Effects of Framing Diversity as Good
Authors: Trawalter Sophie , Driskell Sara , Davidson Martin N.
Published: December 2015

Many proponents of diversity stress that diversity is good—good for universities to further their educational missions and good for businesses, for hiring talent and generating financial returns to shareholders. In this work, we examined costs of framing diversity as good for organizations vs. fair; specifically, we examined whether framing diversity as good for organizations broadens people's definitions of diversity and increases racial bias. In Study 1, White participants preferred the “diversity as good for organizations” frame and believed it to be effective at promoting diversity. In Studies 2–5, White participants presented with the “diversity is good for organizations” frame broadened their definitions of diversity (Studies 2–5) and deprioritized a qualified Black applicant (Studies 4 and 5). Participants low in resources were especially likely to deprioritize the Black applicant (Study 5). This latter finding led us to investigate the motivated nature of diversity frames. In a final study, we found that participants whose resources were threatened favored the “diversity is good for organizations” frame and devalued the “diversity is fair” frame (Study 6). These studies demonstrate that a well‐intentioned plea to promote diversity (“diversity is good for organizations”) has costs; it can lead to the deprioritization of qualified Black applicants.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of sifalimumab from a clinical phase IIb trial in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Zheng Bo , Yu Xiang‐Qing , Greth Warren , Robbie Gabriel J.
Published: December 2015

Aims

Sifalimumab, a human immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 monoclonal antibody against INF‐alpha, is being studied as a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This analysis characterized population pharmacokinetics (PK) of sifalimumab following repeat fixed dose and evaluated the utility of fixed dosing vs. body weight normalized dosing in SLE patients.

Methods

PK data were collected in a phase IIb study where 298 patients received multiple intravenous doses (200–1200 mg) of sifalimumab every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using 3961 quantifiable serum concentrations and the impact of patient demographics, clinical indices and biomarkers on pharmacokinetic parameters was evaluated. The appropriateness of the final model was evaluated using visual predictive check and bootstrap.

Results

A two compartment model with first order elimination adequately described sifalimumab serum PK. The estimated typical clearance (CL) and central volume of distribution (V1) were 184 ml day–1 and 2.82 l with 24% and 16% between‐subject variability (BSV), respectively. Body weight, dose, 21 INF gene signature baseline and concomitant steroid use were identified as statistically significant covariates for CL and V1 and accounted for <10% of PK variability in the final model. Typical values and BSV of PK parameters from the current analysis with fixed dosing were similar to previous population PK results with body weight normalized dosing.

Conclusions

The transition from body weight normalized dosing to fixed dosing did not impact sifalimumab PK. These findings support the use of fixed dosing for sifalimumab in future clinical studies evaluating it as a potential treatment for SLE.
Effects of the scaffold proteins liprin‐α1, β1 and β2 on invasion by breast cancer cells
Authors: Chiaretti Sara , Astro Veronica , Chiricozzi Elena , de Curtis Ivan
Published: December 2015

Background Information

The expression of the scaffold protein liprin‐α1 is upregulated in human breast cancer. This protein is part of a molecular network that is important for tumour cell invasion in vitro. Liprin‐α1 promotes invasion by supporting the protrusive activity at the leading edge of the migrating tumour cell and the degradation of the extracellular matrix by invadopodia. In this study, we have addressed the role of liprin‐α1 in the invasive process in vivo and of liprin‐proteins in tumor cell motility.

Results

The human tumour cell line MDA‐MB‐231 expresses liprin‐α1 and is able to promote the formation of metastasis in mice. Liprin‐α proteins may hetero‐oligomerize with the members of the subfamily of the liprin‐β adaptor proteins. Analysis of the role of liprin‐β1 and liprin‐β2 has shown that while liprin‐β1 contributes positively to tumour cell motility in vitro; liprin‐β2 has a negative effect on both cell motility and invasion. Interestingly, we also observed differential effects on the ability of tumour cells to degrade the extracellular matrix, which is required for efficient invasion by tumour cells. In addition, analysis of the formation of lung metastases in vivo revealed that while the overexpression of liprin‐α1 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells did not evidently affect the metastatic process, silencing of the endogenous protein strongly impaired the formation of metastases by two independent invasion assays, without inhibiting the growth of primary tumours.

Conclusions

Our data support an important role of distinct liprin family members in the regulation of tumour cell invasion, highlighting pro‐invasive and anti‐invasive effects by liprin‐α1 and liprin‐β2, respectively.

Significance

Our results indicate the importance of liprins in breast cancer cell invasion, and are expected to lead to future investigations on the mechanisms underlying the effects of distinct liprin proteins in different processes linked to tumor cell migration and invasion.
Structure and scale of the mechanics of mammalian dental enamel viewed from an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Lucas Peter W. , Philip Swapna M. , Al‐Qeoud Dareen , Al‐Draihim Nuha , Saji Sreeja , van Casteren Adam
Published: December 2015

Mammalian enamel, the contact dental tissue, is something of an enigma. It is almost entirely made of hydroxyapatite, yet exhibits very different mechanical behavior to a homogeneous block of the same mineral. Recent approaches suggest that its hierarchical composite form, similar to other biological hard tissues, leads to a mechanical performance that depends very much on the scale of measurement. The stiffness of the material is predicted to be highest at the nanoscale, being sacrificed to produce a high toughness at the largest scale, that is, at the level of the tooth crown itself. Yet because virtually all this research has been conducted only on human (or sometimes “bovine”) enamel, there has been little regard for structural variation of the tissue considered as evolutionary adaptation to diet. What is mammalian enamel optimized for? We suggest that there are competing selective pressures. We suggest that the structural characteristics that optimize enamel to resist large‐scale fractures, such as crown failures, are very different to those that resist wear (small‐scale fracture). While enamel is always designed for damage tolerance, this may be suboptimal in the enamel of some species, including modern humans (which have been the target of most investigations), in order to counteract wear. The experimental part of this study introduces novel techniques that help to assess resistance at the nanoscale.
Biomarkers of alopecia areata disease activity and response to corticosteroid treatment
Authors: Fuentes‐Duculan Judilyn , Gulati Nicholas , Bonifacio Kathleen M. , Kunjravia Norma , Zheng Xiuzhong , Suárez‐Fariñas Mayte , Shemer Avner , Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Krueger James G.
Published: December 2015

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common inflammatory disease targeting the anagen‐stage hair follicle. Different cytokines have been implicated in the disease profile, but their pathogenic role is not yet fully determined. We studied biopsies of pretreatment lesional and non‐lesional (NL) scalp and post‐treatment (intra‐lesional steroid injection) lesional scalp of 6 patchy patients with AA using immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis. Immunohistochemistry showed increases in CD3+, CD8+ T cells, CD11c+ dendritic cells and CD1a+ Langerhans cells within and around hair follicles of pretreatment lesional scalp, which decreased upon treatment. qRT‐PCR showed in pretreatment lesional scalp (compared to NL) significant increases (P < 0.05) in expression of inflammatory markers (IL‐2, IL‐2RA, JAK3, IL‐15), Th1 (CXCL10 and CXCL9), Th2 (IL‐13, CCL17 and CCL18), IL‐12/IL‐23p40 and IL‐32. Among these, we observed significant downregulation with treatment in IL‐12/IL‐23p40, CCL18 and IL‐32. We also observed significant downregulation of several hair keratins in lesional scalp, with significant upregulation of KRT35, KRT75 and KRT86 in post‐treatment lesional scalp. This study shows concurrent activation of Th1 and Th2 immune axes as well as IL‐23 and IL‐32 cytokine pathways in lesional AA scalp and defined a series of response biomarkers to corticosteroid injection. Clinical trials with selective antagonists coupled with cytokine‐pathway biomarkers will be necessary to further dissect pathogenic immunity.
A potential contribution of altered cathepsin L expression to the development of dermal fibrosis and vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Asano Yoshihide , Taniguchi Takashi , Nakamura Kouki , Saigusa Ryosuke , Takahashi Takehiro , Ichimura Yohei , Toyama Tetsuo , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Miyagaki Tomomitsu , Sugaya Makoto , Sato Shinichi
Published: December 2015

Cathepsin L (CTSL) is a lysosomal proteolytic enzyme involved in inflammation and vascular and extracellular matrix remodelling, which are the three cardinal pathological events associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). To elucidate the potential role of CTSL in the development of SSc, we here investigated CTSL expression in the lesional skin of patients with SSc and SSc animal models and the clinical correlation of serum CTSL levels. CTSL expression was elevated in dermal small vessels of SSc patients compared with those of healthy controls. Consistently, CTSL mRNA levels were increased in SSc lesional skin samples, but not in cultivated SSc dermal fibroblasts, compared with corresponding control samples from healthy individuals. Serum CTSL levels were significantly higher in SSc patients than in healthy controls and inversely correlated with skin score. Furthermore, the elevation of serum CTSL levels was linked to SSc vasculopathy. Supporting these results, Ctsl mRNA levels were decreased in the skin of bleomycin‐treated mice, an SSc animal model recapitulating its fibrotic aspect, and CTSL expression was enhanced in dermal small vessels of endothelial cell‐specific Fli1 knockout mice, reminiscent of SSc vasculopathy. Importantly, gene silencing of FLI1 induced CTSL mRNA expression and Fli1 occupied the CTSL promoter in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Collectively, these results suggest that endothelial CTSL up‐regulation partially due to Fli1 deficiency may contribute to the development of vasculopathy, while the decrease in dermal CTSL expression is likely associated with dermal fibrosis in SSc.
The importance of leisure reading to health sciences students: results of a survey
Authors: Watson Erin M.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To determine what value health sciences students place on leisure reading, whether they prefer to read online or in print, what the principal barriers are to their reading and whether they wish to have a leisure reading collection at their health sciences library.

Methods

In October 2010, a link to a survey was sent to all 1800 students in health sciences professional programmes at the author's institution.

Results

Two hundred and thirteen students (11.8%) responded. Most felt that leisure reading had helped in their development as health professionals and increased their empathy. They listed many benefits of reading, such as improved understanding of minority groups, reduced stress, and improved thinking and communication skills. The majority preferred to read books and magazines in print, while the largest number preferred reading newspapers in print as well. Lack of time, fatigue and the expense of purchasing reading materials were the greatest barriers to reading. A majority of students were in favour of having a leisure reading collection set up at their library.

Conclusions

Leisure reading was valued by the respondents, who felt it provided personal and professional benefits. However, many indicated that circumstances made it difficult to participate in leisure reading.
Pharmacotherapies for renal cell carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuhiro , Uemura Hirotsugu
Published: December 2015

The standard treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma has changed dramatically in the past decade, from cytokine therapy to targeted therapy. Since sorafenib was approved in April 2008, four tyrosine kinase inhibitors and two mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have become available in Japan. Most Japanese renal cell carcinoma patients are treated by urologists who are involved in not only kidney surgeries, but also targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. Optimal treatment methods are selected from theoretically‐based global recommendations, such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and European Society for Medical Oncology guidelines; however, real‐world clinical practice might be different from that in non‐Asian countries. This might be because of different practical conditions; for example, different adverse events and efficacy profiles, different healthcare system, and so on. In the present review, we examine current pharmacotherapy for renal cell carcinoma from evidence‐based global data, and compare the reality of Japanese clinical practice to explore the importance of individualized patient therapy.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO THE PREDICTIVE POWER OF EXPECTED VOLATILITY
Authors: van der Holst Gherben , Zwinkels Remco C. J.
Published: December 2015

The existing literature is highly dispersed regarding the relation between volatility and expected returns. We combine several volatility measures and empirical methods to give a holistic overview of this fundamental relation in finance. Results indicate that total and idiosyncratic volatility levels and volatility changes have predictive power in the cross‐section of expected excess stock returns. Volatility levels are positively and volatility changes are negatively related to future stock returns. Exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH), and threshold GARCH (TGARCH) volatility measures have the greatest predictive power. Controlling for the short‐term reversal effect and illiquidity does not help explain the predictive power of expected volatility.
IN SEARCH OF CASH‐FLOW PRICING
Authors: Fabozzi Frank J. , Chen K. C. , Ma K. C. , West Jessica
Published: December 2015

There are varying views on the relative importance of cash flow versus earnings in the pricing of stocks. In this article, we identify which financial metric—cash flow or earnings—is more often used by investors in equity valuation and then investigate why investors focus on one more than the other. Our prior is that the practice of deviating from cash‐flow pricing, if it exists, can be explained by either rational herding or information cascades. We find that although stock prices are, on average, affected by short‐term earnings, cash‐flow pricing is used primarily to price what we classify as “negative” stocks—stocks that are generally characterized as illiquid, mispriced, or having a shorter trading history, negative earnings, or negative market performance. We find evidence consistent with the rational argument of information cascades. For stocks under close public scrutiny, investors tend to follow the decisions of others and feel compelled to conform to the majority even though their private information suggests otherwise. In the end, the choice to value stocks with either earnings or cash flow is still a rational one.
ALK1 expression in oral lichen planus: a possible relation to microvessel density
Authors: Hazzaa Hala H. A. , El‐Wakeel Naglaa M. , Attia Enas A. S. , Abo Hager Eman A.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess the expression of activin receptor‐like kinase 1 (ALK1) and investigate its possible relationship with microvessel density (MVD) in different forms of oral lichen planus (OLP) compared to controls' biopsies.

Methods

Biopsies from 20 reticular/papular OLP (R/PLP), 20 atrophic/erosive OLP (A/ELP) patients, and 20 healthy subjects were immunohistochemically analyzed and statistically compared and correlated for ALK1 expression and MVD as assessed by CD34 expression.

Results

All OLP specimens revealed the presence of positive cytoplasmic CD34 immunostaining in endothelial cells, with statistically high significant MVD in each of R/PLP (Median; M = 4.40) and A/ELP (M = 7.69) compared to controls (M = 1.16) (P < 0.001). Statistically significant MVD was found in A/ELP compared to R/PLP (P < 0.001). All control specimens revealed negative ALK1 immunostaining of the few inflammatory cells found, while 85% of A/ELP cases and 70% of R/PLP cases showed positively immunostained sections for ALK‐1, with statistically significant higher ALK1 expression In A/ELP (M = 1.95) compared to R/PLP (M = 0.86) (P = 0.005). No significant correlation between CD34 and ALK1 was detected in R/PLP (r = 0.081), while a barely moderate positive correlation was found in A/ELP (r = 0.396).

Conclusions

ALK1 expression and MVD are increased in OLP, particularly in A/ELP type.
In Vitro and Dietary Effects of Chitin on Cellular and Humoral Immune Parameters of Catla, Catla catla (Hamilton)
Authors: Sangma Timothy , Kamilya Dibyendu
Published: December 2015

Immunostimulants increase the immunocompetency and disease resistance of fish by enhancing immune responses. This study determined the in vitro and dietary effects of chitin on immune responses of catla, Catla catla. Catla head‐kidney leukocytes were cultured in complete RPMI‐1640 medium containing 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/mL of chitin. Leucocyte viability and different cellular immune responses, namely, respiratory burst, nitric oxide production, and leucocyte peroxidase content were analyzed in vitro. In the dietary experiment, chitin‐supplemented diets (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% of feed) were fed to catla for 2 wk, and respiratory burst, serum lysozyme, and total protein contents were measured after 1 and 2 wk of feeding. Leucocytes incubated in vitro with chitin for 72 h maintained their viability. Chitin significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced all the immune responses in vitro. The lowest dose showed the best response. Dietary chitin also significantly stimulated all the immune parameters in a dose‐dependent manner with the highest dose showing the maximum responses. All the responses were higher after 1 wk of feeding and declined thereafter. The results suggest that chitin stimulates catla cellular and humoral immune responses in vitro and in vivo.
Effects of Different Diets on the Growth, Survival, and Nutritional Composition of Juvenile Cuttlefish,Sepia pharaonis
Authors: Peng Rui‐Bing , Le Ke‐Xin , Jiang Xia‐Min , Wang Yuan , Han Qing‐Xi
Published: December 2015

The aim of this experiment was to determine the optimal initial food for hatchling cuttlefish and to investigate the influence of dietary composition on the growth, survival, and nutritional composition of cultured juvenile cuttlefish,Sepia pharaonis. Six experimental food groups were designated:Artemia nauplii,Calanus sinicus, frozenHyperacanthomysis brevirostris,Ampithoe valida,H. brevirostris, and subadultArtemia. The results showed that survival, growth body biochemical composition of juvenile cuttlefish were significantly affected by experimental diets (P < 0.05). The optimum initial food wasH. brevirostris, yielding a growth rate as high as 6.39%/d and survival rate reaching 81%. Growth rate was significantly positively correlated with dietary protein, Lys, Met, Phe, Iie, Leu, Trp, Arg, Gly, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and 16:0 (P < 0.05). Survival was significantly positively correlated with dietary protein, Lys, Met, Phe, Val, Thr, Iie, Leu, Trp, Arg, Gly,EPA,DHA, and 16:0 (P < 0.05). The dietary protein, lipid, Met, Val, Thr, Leu, 18:0, andEPAwere prone to accumulation within the body of juvenile cuttlefish (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that juvenile cuttlefish exhibited the best growth rates and survival when fed a diet that supplied high‐protein, low‐fat, and larger quantities of Lys, Met, Phe, Val, Thr, Iie, Leu, Trp, Arg, Gly,EPA,DHA, and 16:0.
Glacier recession and the changing rockfall hazard: Implications for glacier tourism
Authors: Purdie Heather , Gomez Christopher , Espiner Stephen
Published: December 2015

Rapid recession and thinning of mountain glaciers worldwide are resulting in changes to glacier surface morphology, which are exacerbated by increased rockfall and debris accumulation at lateral margins. Rockfall can be a hazard to people visiting and working on glaciers. Relationships between rockfall and the changing glacier surface were explored at Fox Glacier, where tourism is a key industry. Using a simple rockfall model, it was found that rocks could travel a further 50 m out onto the glacier in 2012 compared with 2008. An improved understanding of natural hazards is essential to the sustainability of the industry, given the importance of glacier‐related tourism in the local and regional economies.
The myths of economic development and the ‘must do's’ to avoid them
Authors: Collits Paul
Published: December 2015

Local economic development has recently emerged in Western nations, including across Australasia, as both a concern of local and regional governments and as a profession. The connections between theory and practice have been complex, and defining best practice is difficult. It seems clear, however, that generally practice is far from perfect, and often reflects poor thinking and a lack of understanding of the underlying drivers of economic development. Academic fads have often driven practice, and there are many myths associated with local economic development practice. The paper unpacks some of the most persistent and important myths, and suggests ways for practitioners, regional leaders and stakeholders alike to overcome the traps associated with the myths.
Correlation between Fusarium head blight severity and DON content in triticale as revealed by phenotypic and molecular data
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Kalih Rasha , Großmann Maren S. , Maurer Hans P.
Published: December 2015

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) results in yield losses and mycotoxin contamination, for example, by deoxynivalenol (DON). This study aimed to analyse the correlation between FHB severity and DON content in a DH population of 146 entries across environments. Additionally, Fusarium damaged kernel (FDK) rating, heading stage and plant height were recorded. Highly significant (P < 0.001) genotypic variances were found throughout, but also significant (P < 0.001) genotype–environment interaction variances occurred. Correlation between FHB severity and heading stage or plant height was low (r = 0.144 and r = −0.153, P < 0.10). A prediction of DON content from FHB severity or FDK rating is not possible caused by low correlations (r = 0.315 and 0.572, respectively, P < 0.001). A common quantitative trait locus (QTL) for all FHB‐related traits was found on wheat chromosome 2A being of minor importance for FHB severity, but of high importance for DON content and FDK rating. Another QTL on rye chromosome 5R was more important for FHB severity. In conclusion, DON content has to be measured in triticale after selection for FHB severity to gain for healthy and mycotoxin‐reduced feed.
Ultrasound and computed tomography of the iliosacral lymphatic centre in dogs with anal sac gland carcinoma
Authors: Pollard R. E. , Fuller M. C. , Steffey M. A.
Published: December 2015

In this prospective study, we hypothesized that computed tomography (CT) would identify more normal and abnormal iliosacral lymph nodes (LNs) than abdominal ultrasound in dogs with anal sac gland carcinoma (ASGC). Twelve client‐owned dogs with ASGC but without distant metastasis were enrolled. Abdominal ultrasound and contrast‐enhanced CT scans of the abdomen were obtained. Iliosacral LNs were counted and assessed for location, laterality and size. Significantly (P < 0.00001) more iliosacral LNs were identified with CT (61) than ultrasound (30), including significantly (P = 0.00012) more medial iliac LNs with CT (33) than ultrasound (19). There was no difference in number of internal iliac LNs identified with CT versus ultrasound. Significantly (P = 0.000061) more sacral LNs were identified with CT (15) than ultrasound (0). Ultrasound identified slightly more (7) abnormal iliosacral LNs than CT (5). Contrast CT was able to identify more normal but not more abnormal LNs than ultrasound.
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF RIGID-BODY SHAPE-CHANGE MECHANISM FOR AIRCRAFT WINGS
Authors: Ismail Mohammad Hazrin , Shamsudin Shamsul Anuar , Sudin Mohd Nizam
Published: December 2015

Airframe noise reduction becomes a main interest among researchers who study the performance of aircrafts. The airframe noise can occur between the high-lift systems and main body of the airfoil. The proposed shape-changing airfoil is one of many ideas to reduce airframe noise by eliminating the gap between the main body and high-lift systems. This paper presents a new design of 30P30N airfoil, which converts the three-element airfoil (slat, main body and flap) into two-element airfoil (combination of slat and main body as an element and flap) by installing a shape-changing slat into the systems. This work applies a chain of rigid bodies connected by revolute and prismatic joints that are capable of approximating a shape change defined by a set of morphed slat design profiles. To achieve a single degree of freedom (DOF), a building-block approach is employed to mechanize the fixed-end shape-changing chain with the helped of Geometric Constraint Programming technique as an effective method to develop the mechanism. The conventional and shape-change 30P30N airfoils are compared to study the performances of airfoils with the velocity and angle of attack are constant.
TAGUCHI MODELING OF PROCESS PARAMETERS IN VDG-MOSFET DEVICE FOR HIGHER ION/IOFF RATIO
Authors: Kaharudin Khairil Ezwan , Salehuddin Fauziyah , Hamidon Abdul Hamid , Abd Aziz Muhammad Nazirul Ifwat , Ahmad Ibrahim
Published: December 2015

The miniaturization in the size of planar MOSFET device seems to be limited when it reaches to 22nm technology node. In this paper, the vertical double gate architecture of MOSFET device with ultrathin Si- pillar was introduced by keeping both silicon dioxide (SiO2) and polysilicon as the main materials. The proposed MOSFET architecture was known as Ultrathin Pillar Vertical Double Gate (VDG) MOSFET device and it was integrated with polysilicon-on-insulator (PSOI) technology for a superior electrical performance. The virtual device fabrication and characterization were done by using ATHENA and ATLAS modules of SILVACO Internationals. The process parameters of the device were then optimized by utilizing L27 orthogonal array of Taguchi method in order to obtain the highest value of drive current (ION) and the lowest value of leakage current (IOFF). The highest value of ION/IOFF ratio after an optimization approach was observed to be 2.154x 1012.
PERFORMANCE AND EMISSION EVALUATION OF CASTOR BLENDS BIODIESEL IN SINGLE CYLINDER DIESEL ENGINE DYNAMOMETER
Authors: Jamaludin Mohd Zaini , Herawan Safarudin Gazali , Arifin Yusmady Mohamed
Published: December 2015

This study presents a preliminary investigation of engine is running on petro-diesel in order to determine the engine’s operating characteristics and exhaust emission levels, constituting the base line that is compared with corresponding cases when using second generation biodiesel that used castor biodiesel consists of 5%, 10% and 20% blends. The engine coupled to hydraulic dynamometer through belting connection for load measurement. The same method will be repeated for each fuel blend by keeping the same operating condition. The present studies contribute as an alternative fuel by using biodiesel fuels from non-edible for diesel engines with standard engine parts.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF WEB-BASED MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE CHILD MALNUTRITION SURVEILLANCE
Authors: Delimayanti Mera K. , Mulyono Sigit , Waluyanti Fajar T.
Published: December 2015

The monitoring process of children’s health (nutrition fulfillment) carried out by Puskesmas (Community Health Center/ CHC) officials as front personnel of health services for local communities is not well implemented yet. In addition, the unavailability of the early warning system for the identification of child malnutrition had worsen the problem. It is primarily caused by less accurate patient recording system within CHCs, as well as ineffective and inefficient data reporting since the process  is carried out manually. This research proposes an alternative early detecting system of child malnutrition within a number of regions in which CHCs are located based on the development of web-based system for the child malnutrition surveillance and integrated into an Internet network to facilitate its usage by medical personnel. The system is mainly aimed to ease CHC officials to input such systematic patient data that it is relatively fast to identify if there is a possible indication of child malnutrition within a particular area. The system is expected to be an early warning detector of children malnutrition cases and assist the head of health authority as a decision maker to take initiatives accordingly. Recommendations from the system are made available for users following which, health authority and the public can monitor the operation of the system directly by accessing the output data from the nutritional status study of a certain area.
INVESTIGATION OF COCONUT SHELLS ACTIVATED CARBON AS THE COST EFFECTIVE ABSORBENT IN DRINKING WATER FILTER
Authors: Mohd Samdin Suria , Peng Lim Hooi , Marzuki Maryati
Published: December 2015

Utilization of activated carbon for organic contaminant removal from drinking water is commonly practiced in point-of-use (PUO) water applications in Malaysia. Public health concerns and demands on water purity with the stated goal in Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of improving access to safe drinking water by halve ahead of the 2015 has prompted the need to feasible conversion and sustainable solutions. This study investigated the efficiency of activated carbon from coconut shells as the potential cost effective absorbent material in drinking water filter due to its nature of greater micro-pores, inexpensive and abundantly available over other agricultural by-products. Activation of the coconut shell carbon was first carried out by carbonization in the exposure to nitrogen (N2) atmosphere followed by heating with the activating agents for a specific retention period. pH test and dynamic testing of filtered water were conducted using the protocol established by ANSI/NSF Standard 53 (Health Effects of Water Treatment System). The pH value was indicated to increase proportionally to the level of filtering, which has achieved a constant value of 6.41 after eight times of filtering. Additionally, the activated carbon has removed Methyl Tertiary-butyl Ether (MTBE) to non-detectable level, which is less than 1 part per billion (ppb). The non-detectable level has sufficiently reduced the odour and taste problems. Therefore, activated carbon from coconut shells has considerable potential as the cost effective absorptive material in a drinking water filter.
ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH: A REVIEW
Authors: Pane Sri Gustina , Kumar M Dileep
Published: December 2015

Recently, universities are playing active role in economic development of the country, besides their traditional role of teaching and research.  Research has shown that the increasing global trend of entrepreneurial activities emerging in major academic institutions have left universities with no choice but to re-invent their operational activities and engage themselves in entrepreneurial activities to remain competitive globally. However this transformation required entrepreneurial leadership that can lead universities to enhance the commercialization of their research.  Thus, in this regard, entrepreneurial leadership is inevitable for universities. Current study provided the review of literature which argues the need for entrepreneurial leadership in the context of commercialization of university research.
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM AND GLOBAL SYSTEM FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATION MODEM APPLICATION AS CAR POSITION AND FUEL MONITORING SYSTEM
Authors: Anisah Masayu , Taqwa Ahmad , Amperawan Amperawan , Evelina Evelina , Rasyad Sabilal
Published: December 2015

The distribution of fuel oil carried by the tanker to the Fuel Stations is hard to be monitored. There are cases where the driver, who steals the fuel from the tank, harder to be tracked down. To overcome this problem, researchers used Global Positioning System  and Global System for Mobile Modem Communication  as an application. The research integrates multiple electronic Global Positioning System device, ultrasonic sensor, Arduino  and mobile  modem in the system. The device is placed in the carriage fuel tank of the tanker. This system aims to determine the car's position and content of the fuel tank. It will retrieve current car position and carriage content and send it over Short Message and voice call over Mobile modem. A program, built with Delphi will retrieve the message and point out the car position and tank level accurately on Google Maps. The results obtained indicated that the error is approximately ± 0.05 and deviation is 0 latitude and 0.00362 longitude. For further development, we plan to improve two parameters by increasing warnings with the increase in the capacity of the sensors. From the overall discussion in this study, it can be concluded that the equipment content monitoring system can be well applied.
APPLICATION OF DISC SPRING IN CLAMPING FORCE MECHANISM FOR ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
Authors: Mazali Izhari Izmi , Baharin Tawi Kamarul , Supriyo Bambang , Che Kob Mohd Sabri , Abu Husain Nurulakmar , Che Kob Mohd Salman
Published: December 2015

Pulley-based continuously variable transmission (CVT) with metal pushing V-belt (V-belt) offers tremendous potentials in the fuel economy of the car due to its wide and continuous ratio coverage. Nevertheless, the existing pulley-based CVTs in automotive markets use electro-hydro-mechanical (EHM) actuation system to vary its ratio and to provide sufficient clamping force on the V-belt. This, unfortunately, leads to a significant high power consumption from the engine of the car which eventually worsens the car’s fuel economy. To address this issue, researchers introduce electro-mechanical CVT (EM CVT) in which the application of the EHM actuation system is replaced by an electro-mechanical (EM) actuation system. This paper discusses the application of disc spring in clamping force mechanism of EM CVT. The selected disc spring is analyzed and evaluated to prove its workability for CVT’s application. The analysis results indicate that the application of disc spring in clamping force mechanism of EM CVT is possible and it also offers some benefits particularly in term of its compact design.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF EUPHYLLIDAE CORALS IN TIOMAN ISLAND: EMPHASIS ON THE GENETIC VARIATION OF EUPHYLLIA CRISTATA
Authors: Akmal Khodzori Mohd Fikri , Saad Shahbudin , Nordin Noor Faizul Hadry , Salleh Muhammad Faris , Rani Mohd Husaini , Yusof Muhamad Hamizan , Mohamed Noor Normahwaty
Published: December 2015

Euphyllidae corals are among the most beautiful corals that have been exploited for the aquarium trade all over the world. In Malaysia, the information on these coral species particularly on the diversity and genetic variation is not fully documented. Realizing to this matter, the diversity and distribution of Euphylllidae corals were investigated at 13 sampling stations in Tioman Island. The diversity and distribution of Euphyllidae corals were observed and recorded using the Coral Video Transect (CVT) method. The captured images were analyzed using Coral Point Count with Excel extension (CPCe) software. The samples of Euphyllia cristata were collected at three different zones in Tioman Island (East Coast, West Coast and Isolated Island). The samples were extracted and mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase 1 gene primer was used to study their genetic variation. A total of six species belong to three genera of Euphyllia, Plerogyra and Physogyra were recorded. Benuang Bay (East Coast) and Bayan Bay (Isolated Island) have shown higher diversity and distribution of Euphyllidae corals among the sampling stations. The Shannon-Weinner index (H’) of Benuang Bay and Bayan Bay were 1.42 and 1.43 respectively. The West Coast zone had the lowest diversity and distribution of Euphyllidae corals due to massive coastal development and loads of human intervention. The genetic sequences from the East Coast and West Coast were closely related. The pairwise distance between these two zones is 0.003. There is a slight difference in the sequence from the Isolated Island. The pairwise distance of West Coast-Isolated and East Coast-Isolated are 0.021 and 0.025 respectively. However, it is relatively low to consider there is evolutionary divergence between the samples. Thus, no genetic variation was observed between all Euphyllia cristata taken at three different zones of Tioman Island. This study has shown that there was a highly significant difference (p<0.01) in the diversity and distribution of Euphyllidae corals with respect to sampling stations.
EVALUATION OF ENTRAPMENT POTENTIALITY AND TURBIDITY REMOVAL EFFICIENCY OF FUNGI
Authors: Jebun N. , Al-Mamun Abdullah , Alam Md. Zahangir , Abdul Karim Mohamed Ismail , Ahmad Raus Raha
Published: December 2015

Turbidity and suspended solids concentration promotes a number of negative effects on freshwater ecosystems. Conventionally suspended solids and turbidity are removed from raw water by various chemical coagulants but most of them are costly and non-ecofriendly. Whereas, the bioflocculants are environment-friendly and could be used as coagulants. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by microorganisms play a definite role to reduce the turbidity of river water which can enhance the aesthetics of river water and other water uses. In this study, pellets /flocs have been observed of five filamentous fungi isolated from Pusu river water. The strains RWF-01, RWF-02, RWF-03, RWF-04 and RWF-05 showed a good entrapment capability and flocculating rate of 97.56%, 99.42%, 99.18%, 59.34% and 85.21% to kaolin suspension and 44.54%, 99.27%, 98.59%, 28.57% & 68.43% to river water respectively at 48h of culture time. The result showed the clay particles of river water and kaolin has entrapped by the microbial growth and, as a result, they reduced the turbidity of river water.
BIOSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS BY SCENEDESMUS SP. ISOLATED FROM THE TEMPORARY WATERS OF ENDAU ROMPIN, JOHOR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Muhammad Nmaya Muhammad , Gogoba Ishaq Aisha , Agam Mohammed Arif , Matias-Peralta Hazel Monica , Khaled Nadiah , Alhaji Yabagi Jibrin , Kimpa Muhammad Isa
Published: December 2015

Contamination of soil and water by heavy metals threatens the well-being of humans and the natural environment. The need for a cost-effective and efficient method for their removal has led researchers to develop interest in microorganisms that show resistance to these toxic metals. In this work, we used inductive coupled plasma mass spectroscopy to detect the presence of heavy metals Aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni) and Copper (Cu) in the wild pond Sungai Buaya, in Johor Malaysia. This research shows the biosorption ability of living cells of micro algae Scenedesmus sp. as a function of metal concentration for these metals.  It was found that 78% of Al, 74% of Pb, 24% of Cu and 16% of Ni was taken up by the microalgae. This shows that Scenedesmus sp. has potential for use in further research works particularly in bioremediation of contaminated water and also biosynthesis of nanoparticles.
INDOOR MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION THROUGH WATER MIST AEROSOL AT PUBLIC RESTAURANTS
Authors: Z. Maryam, , M. R. Rafiqah Azira, , N. Noor Faizul Hadry, , A. Norhidayah, , M. A. Mohd Shukri,
Published: December 2015

In Malaysia and many other Asian countries, countless number of restaurants are made of open or semi-open air buildings. These restaurants are commonly located beside roads, factories, and construction sites. The foods are often exposed to the air, increasing their tendency to be contaminated due to poor indoor and outdoor air quality. There are very few studies characterising and comparing the levels of indoor air pollutants in restaurants. Other than that, scarce data are available on dining establishments especially in the presence and absence of water mist application system. Due to these reasons, no best practices or guidelines can be developed. Hence, this present study aimed (1) to assess and compare the physical indoor air quality (IAQ) characteristics and airborne pollutants between different types of restaurant settings; (2) to identify microbes isolated in the presence and absence of water mist system; (3) to analyse bacterial counting within and between the different restaurant settings; and (4) to determine the relationship between physical IAQ characteristics and airborne microbial contaminants. Instruments known as Dustmate and VelociCalc® Multi-Function Ventilation Meter 9565 were used to measure the physical IAQ characteristics and airborne particulate matters. On the other hand, Surface Air System Indoor Air Quality (SAS IAQ) was use to seize the microbial contaminants. All the data obtained were compared with the standard reference known as the Industrial Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality (2010) constructed by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). This study later indicated that the level of indoor PM10 concentrations was influenced by changes of physical IAQ parameters at the two restaurants investigated. As the PM10 increased, the colony forming unit (CFU) counting also increased. Although microbial contaminations were found during both periods of exposure (i.e., in the presence and absence of water mist) at both restaurants, significant relationship between the parameters measured cannot be determined. The bacterial species obtained during the presence and absence of water mist application system for both of the restaurants were also identified. Gemella morbillorum was found as the most dominant species, followed by other species such as Aerococcus viridans, Globicatella sanguinis, Leuconostoc spp., and Proteus penneri.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF Macaranga tanarius (Mahang)
Authors: Abdullah Nazirah , Hassan Nor Hasnida , Yahya Muhammad Fuad , Koter Rosdi , A. Rahman Siti Suhaila , Ismail Haliza , Khalid Rozidah , Abdullah Samsul Bahrin , Abdullah Rohani
Published: December 2015

Macaranga tanarius locally known as Mahang, belongs to Euphorbiaceae family is a native plant in Malaysia. This invasive species is mostly found in disturbed forest. Macaranga genus is a medium size tree and can grow up to 24 m tall. Macaranga genus is a fast growing species, evergreen trees with soft and light wood. M. tanarius wood can be used to produce high quality particle board and pulp besides other usage as good firewood. Phytochemical studies on M. tanarius have discovered the presence of tannin that can be used as toughing agent on fishing net as well as dyeing agent. The leaves extract of this species have shown potential as an antioxidant when tested with 2, 2 – diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) anti-oxidant assay. Due to its benefits in multiple industries, production of sustainable and high quality planting material cannot be avoided. Tissue culture is one of the best approaches to meet this demand. In this preliminary study, surface sterilization protocol for M. tanarius using seed as explants has been developed. 3 different surface sterilization methods have been tested. Based on the percentage of contamination and response, the best method for surface sterilization of M. tanarius  is by using 30% of Chlorox® which produced more than 90% clean culture and the best response among other methods; swelling (38%), formation of roots (8%), shoots (2%) as well as minimum amount of damage tissues. Explants from germinated plantlets in vitro were further tested on four different basal medium to find the most suitable basal medium for M. tanarius growth which were full strength Woody Plant Media (WPM), half strength Woody Plant Media (½ WPM), Murashige and Skoog media (MS) and half strength Murashige and Skoog media (½ MS). Explants cultured on WPM basal medium produced healthy rooted plantlet in terms of size and colour of shoot and leaves. ½ WPM media can also induce rooting in M. tanarius whereas in MS and ½ MS media the explants turn to brown and died. For shoot multiplication experiment, WPM medium supplemented with different types of cytokinin; BAP and TDZ at different concentration have been tested. WPM medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l TDZ showed the highest percentage of shoot induction with 100% shoot induced and average produces three new shoots per explants.
ANNOTATIONS AND DOMAIN ANALYSIS OF POLYKETIDE SYNTHASE GENES IN FUNGAL WHEAT PATHOGEN, MYCOSPHAERELLA GRAMINICOLA
Authors: Mohd Khalid Rozida , Bailey Andy , Cox R. J.
Published: December 2015

Mycosphaerella graminicola is an important pathogenic fungus of the wheat that causes Septoria tritici blotch. The genome of M. graminicola has been sequence and each domain of all polyketide synthase enzymes (PKS) was analysed and compared with known sequences from NCBI database. NCBI Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis and alignment using Vector NTi software suggested that M. graminicola has 10 PKS and 1 PKSNRPS (nonribosomal peptide synthetase) hybrid, which could be involved in pathogenicity. Out of the 10 polyketide synthase genes, two are non-reducing PKS (NRPKS) and eight are annotated as highly reducing PKS (HRPKS). The NRPKS was labelled as MgPKS1 and MgPKS9. The HR PKS were labelled as MgPKS2, MgPKS3, MgPKS4, MgPKS5, MgPKS6, MgPKS7, and MgPKS8. The PKS-NRPS also have a highly reducing PKS as part of the hybrid
FOOD PARTITIONING AMONG FISHES IN PAHANG RIVER-ESTUARY, MALAYSIA
Authors: A. M. Azfar, , K. C. A. Jalal , A. Siti-Waznah,
Published: December 2015

A study was conducted on the food resource partitioning among fish species in Pahang River-estuary from 2010-2013 during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period. The area was divided in three strata (upstream, downstream and middle zone), based on environmental features. Stomach contents of all species present were analyzed. From 138 of total stomach analyzed, 24 of them were empty and 114 were with food. From the analysis of prey in the stomachs, various kinds of food items consumed by the different size of fishes included phytoplankton, zooplankton, unidentified materials, fish, fish parts, shrimp, shrimp parts, crab, crab parts, plant parts, mollusk and detritus. Detritus consisted of all types of biogenic materials in various stages of microbial decomposition. Different fishes consume different types of food and feeding habit of fishes varies from season to season. From the percentage of number and occurrence of food resources, zooplankton are important in their own right as a major component of fish diets and are especially important to small and young individuals, even for the detrivore. Nevertheless, it represents an important trophic resource for fish food web of Pahang River-estuary.