bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation on cavitation flow of hydrofoil and its flow noise with emphasis on turbulence models
Authors: Kim Sanghyeon , Cheong Cheolung , Park Warn-Gyu
Published: June 2017

In this study, cavitation flow of hydrofoils is numerically investigated to characterize the effects of turbulence models on cavitation-flow patterns and the corresponding radiated sound waves. The two distinct flow conditions are considered by varying the mean flow velocity and angle of attack, which are categorized under the experimentally observed unstable or stable cavitation flows. To consider the phase interchanges between the vapor and the liquid, the flow fields around the hydrofoil are analyzed by solving the unsteady compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations coupled with a mass-transfer model, also referred to as the cavitation model. In the numerical solver, a preconditioning algorithm with dual-time stepping techniques is employed in generalized curvilinear coordinates. The following three types of turbulence models are employed: the laminar-flow model, standard k − ε turbulent model, and filter-based model. Hydro-acoustic field formed by the cavitation flow of the hydrofoil is predicted by applying the Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings equation to the predicted flow field. From the predicted results, the effects of the turbulences on the cavitation flow pattern and radiated flow noise are quantitatively assessed in terms of the void fraction, sound-pressure-propagation directivities, and spectrum.
A low frequency acoustic insulator by using the acoustic metasurface to a Helmholtz resonator
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Cai Li , Yu Dianlong , Lu Zhimiao , Wen Jihong
Published: June 2017

Acoustic metasurfaces (AMSs) are able to manipulate wavefronts at an anomalous angle through a subwavelength layer. Their application provide a new way to control sound waves in addition to traditional materials. In this work, we introduced the AMS into the design of a Helmholtz resonator (HR) and studied the acoustic transmission through the modified HR in a pipe with one branch. The variation of sound insulation capacity with the phase gradient of the AMS was studied, and the results show that the AMS can remarkably lower the frequency band of the sound insulation without increasing the size. Our investigation provides a new degree of freedom for acoustic control with a Helmholtz resonator, which is of great significance in acoustic metasurface theory and sound insulation design.
Improvement of submergence tolerance in rice through efficient application of potassium under submergence-prone rainfed ecology of Indo-Gangetic Plain
Authors: Dwivedi Sharad Kumar , Kumar Santosh , Bhakta Narayan , Singh Shishir Kant , Rao Karnena Koteswara , Mishra Janki Sharan , Singh Anil Kumar
Published: June 2017

Potassium (K) is one of the limiting factors that negatively influenced rice growth and yield in submergence-prone soils. We conducted an experiment during the wet season of 2014–15 to achieve optimal doses of K and understand the effect of K application on submerged rice in terms of survival, chlorophyll content, non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), anti-oxidant activities and yield. Results revealed that chlorophyll and NSC content were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower whereas the activity of anti-oxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase and total peroxidase) were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher after submergence compared with pre-submergence. Further, application of K at a higher basal dose (40 kg ha–1) was more beneficial to improve survival after de-submergence by maintaining NSC, chlorophyll content and higher activity of anti-oxidants with lower level of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, results showed superiority of the treatments having application of higher doses with one foliar spray (T9–40 kg K2O ha–1 (basal) + one foliar spray at 0.5% K at panicle initiation (PI) stage) for grain yield. We conclude that application of a higher dose of K with one foliar application at PI stage is more beneficial to enhance plant survival, better recovery and yield gain of rice during complete submergence.
Efficacy and Limitations of Conservative Treatment for Painful Patella Partita: Positioning of an Ultrasound-Accelerated Fracture Healing Apparatus
Authors: Sugimura Natsuki , Hirose Daisuke , Aso Koji , Izumi Masashi , Okanoue Yusuke , Kitaoka Kazuo , Ikeuchi Masahiko
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Generally, painful patella partita is conservatively treated, but the usefulness of a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) healing apparatus is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of LIPUS for conservative treatment of painful patella partita.

Subjects and Methods:

The subjects included 17 patients diagnosed with painful patella partita. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: those without pain at 6 months (responsive group) and those with pain that persisted for 6 months or longer (non-responsive group). The reasons for the different responses between the 2 groups were investigated. We evaluated various factors, including age, gender, presence or absence of epiphyseal closure on plain xp at the first examination, Saupe classification, presence or absence of bone union, and type of conservative treatment. The grade of limitation of movement, the presence or absence of instruction on quadriceps femoris muscle stretch, and use of an orthosis and LIPUS were also investigated.

Results:

The responsive and non-responsive groups consisted of 12 and 5 patients, respectively, and included only male patients. The average age was 13 and 16 years old in the responsive and non-responsive groups, respectively. Epiphyseal closure was present in 1 of the 12 patients in the responsive group and 3 of the 5 patients in the non-responsive group. The Saupe classifications in the responsive and in the non-responsive groups, respectively, were type I in 1 and 2 patients (3 total), type II in 6 and 1 patients (7 total), and type III in 4 and 3 patients (7 total). Bone union was achieved in 10 patients in the responsive group, whereas no patient achieved bone union and 3 patients underwent excision in the non-responsive group. Conservative treatment in the responsive and non-responsive groups, respectively, included prohibition of exercise for 7 and 2 patients (9 total) and instruction on quadriceps femoris muscle stretch for 5 and 2 patients (7 total). In addition, all of the 8 patients wearing an orthosis and 2 patients treated with LIPUS were in the responsive group.

Discussion:

The findings suggest that painful Saupe type II patella partita can be improved by appropriate conservative treatment before epiphyseal closure. LIPUS may be advantageous for bone union and pain relief.
Study on Ultrasound Irradiation Induction of Electrical Potentials in Bone
Authors: Matsukawa Mami , Matsukawa Sayaka
Published: June 2017

Objective:

It is well known that applied stress induces electrical potentials in bone. We have experimentally studied whether induced potentials could be found in bone using an ultrasound irradiation system similar to low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS).

Materials and Methods:

Circular plate specimens (diameter 10 mm, thickness 1 mm) were obtained from bovine femora in order to determine if bone behaved as a piezoelectric material. Using these specimens, ultrasound receivers were fabricated. The irradiation of an ultrasound pulsed wave (amplitude 5 kPa, around 1 MHz) induced weak electrical potentials that were almost 0.1% of that observed with conventional ultrasonic transducers using piezoelectric polymer films.

Results and Discussion:

The induced potentials clearly depended on the angle between the direction of the irradiation and the direction of the bone axis and showed a maximum when the angle was 45 degrees. It is known that the ultrasonic wave velocity changes due to the propagation direction and shows anisotropy. The behavior of induced potentials, however, was different from the anisotropy of wave velocities. These results tell us that the amount of induced electrical potentials possibly changes depending on the direction of the ultrasound wave produced by the LIPUS system.
Interacting stressors and the potential for adaptation in a changing world: responses of populations and individuals
Authors: Hopkins Gareth R. , French Susannah S. , Brodie Edmund D.
Published: June 2017

To accurately predict the impact of environmental change, it is necessary to assay effects of key interacting stressors on vulnerable organisms, and the potential resiliency of their populations. Yet, for the most part, these critical data are missing. We examined the effects of two common abiotic stressors predicted to interact with climate change, salinity and temperature, on the embryonic survival and development of a model freshwater vertebrate, the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa) from different populations. We found that salinity and temperature significantly interacted to affect newt embryonic survival and development, with the negative effects of salinity most pronounced at temperature extremes. We also found significant variation among, and especially within, populations, with different females varying in the performance of their eggs at different salinity–temperature combinations, possibly providing the raw material for future natural selection. Our results highlight the complex nature of predicting responses to climate change in space and time, and provide critical data towards that aim.
Cross-sensory modulation in a future top predator, the young Nile crocodile
Authors: Chabrolles Laura , Coureaud Gérard , Boyer Nicolas , Mathevon Nicolas , Beauchaud Marilyn
Published: June 2017

Animals routinely receive information through different sensory channels, and inputs from a modality may modulate the perception and behavioural reaction to others. In spite of their potential adaptive value, the behavioural correlates of this cross-sensory modulation have been poorly investigated. Due to their predator life, crocodilians deal with decisional conflicts emerging from concurrent stimuli. By testing young
Crocodylus niloticus
with sounds in the absence or presence of chemical stimuli, we show that (i) the prandial (feeding) state modulates the responsiveness of the animal to a congruent, i.e. food-related olfactory stimulus, (ii) the prandial state alters the responsiveness to an incongruent (independent of food) sound, (iii) fasted, but not sated, crocodiles display selective attention to socially relevant sounds over noise in presence of food odour. Cross-sensory modulation thus appears functional in young Nile crocodiles. It may contribute to decision making in the wild, when juveniles use it to interact acoustically when foraging.
A free-boundary model of diffusive valley growth: theory and observation
Authors: Yi Robert , Cohen Yossi , Seybold Hansjörg , Stansifer Eric , McDonald Robb , Mineev-Weinstein Mark , Rothman Daniel H.
Published: June 2017

Valleys that form around a stream head often develop characteristic finger-like elevation contours. We study the processes involved in the formation of these valleys and introduce a theoretical model that indicates how shape may inform the underlying processes. We consider valley growth as the advance of a moving boundary travelling forward purely through linearly diffusive erosion, and we obtain a solution for the valley shape in three dimensions. Our solution compares well to the shape of slowly growing groundwater-fed valleys found in Bristol, Florida. Our results identify a new feature in the formation of groundwater-fed valleys: a spatially variable diffusivity that can be modelled by a fixed-height moving boundary.
Island Rule, quantitative genetics and brain–body size evolution inHomo floresiensis
Authors: Diniz-Filho José Alexandre Felizola , Raia Pasquale
Published: June 2017

Colonization of islands often activate a complex chain of adaptive events that, over a relatively short evolutionary time, may drive strong shifts in body size, a pattern known as the Island Rule. It is arguably difficult to perform a direct analysis of the natural selection forces behind such a change in body size. Here, we used quantitative evolutionary genetic models, coupled with simulations and pattern-oriented modelling, to analyse the evolution of brain and body size inHomo floresiensis, a diminutive hominin species that appeared around 700 kya and survived up to relatively recent times (60–90 kya) on Flores Island, Indonesia. The hypothesis of neutral evolution was rejected in 97% of the simulations, and estimated selection gradients are within the range found in living natural populations. We showed that insularity may have triggered slightly different evolutionary trajectories for body and brain size, which means explaining the exceedingly small cranial volume ofH. floresiensisrequires additional selective forces acting on brain size alone. Our analyses also support previous conclusions thatH. floresiensismay be most likely derived from an early IndonesianH. erectus, which is coherent with currently accepted biogeographical scenario forHomoexpansion out of Africa.
Epigenetic regulation of genome integrity by a prion-based mechanism
Authors: Byers James S. , Garcia David M. , Jarosz Daniel F.
Published: June 2017

Epigenetic mechanisms mediate diverse gene expression programs in growth and development. Yet whether any can permanently alter the genome is unknown. Here we report a protein-based epigenetic element, a prion, formed by the conserved DNA helicase Mph1/FANCM. [MPH1+] provides resistance to DNA damage, a gain-of-function trait that requires helicase activity and interactions with other DNA repair proteins. Strikingly, the intrinsically disordered regions of Mph1 and human FANCM that are required for prion phenotypes do not resemble known prions. [MPH1+] reduces mitotic mutation rates, but promotes meiotic crossovers, driving phenotypic diversification in wild outcrosses. Remarkably, [MPH1+] is induced by stresses in which the prion is beneficial. Thus, [MPH1+] fuels a quasi-Lamarckian form of inheritance that promotes survival of the current generation and diversification of the next.
Architecture and dynamics of overlapped RNA regulatory networks
Authors: Lapointe Christopher P. , Preston Melanie A. , Wilinski Daniel , Saunders Harriet A. J. , Campbell Zachary T. , Wickens Marvin
Published: June 2017

A single protein can bind and regulate many mRNAs. Multiple proteins with similar specificities often bind and control overlapping sets of mRNAs. Yet, little is known about the architecture or dynamics of overlapped networks. We focused on three proteins with similar structures and related RNA-binding specificities – Puf3p, Puf4p, and Puf5p ofS. cerevisiae. Using RNA Tagging, we identified a “super-network” comprised of four sub-networks: Puf3p, Puf4p, and Puf5p sub-networks, and one controlled by both Puf4p and Puf5p. The architecture of individual subnetworks, and thus the super-network, are determined by competition among particular PUF proteins to bind mRNAs, their affinities for binding elements, and the abundances of the proteins. The super-network responds dramatically: the remaining network can either expand or contract. These strikingly opposite outcomes are determined by an interplay between the relative abundance of the RNAs and proteins, and their affinities for one another. The diverse interplay between overlapping RNA-protein networks provides versatile opportunities for regulation and evolution.
Investigation of talent, talent management, its policies and its impact on working environment
Authors: Saddozai Sehrish Khan , Hui Peng , Akram Umair , Khan Muhammad Saad , Memon Suhail
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore broader and dynamic features of talent, talent management, its policies and its impact on academic working environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was based on qualitative research in the form of unstructured interviews containing open-ended questions. Data were collected from the university management, deans, heads of departments (HoDs), assistant professors, associate professors and lecturers. The research was conducted in the form of interviews and the participants were asked to define talent, talent management (TM) policies, its usefulness and its impact on the working environment within the university. This study was conducted into two parts. In the first part, all deans, HoDs and human resource management (HRM) (stakeholders) were interviewed, and in the second part, all professors, associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers (talents) were interviewed.

Findings

The present study investigated that talent and TM are very important in any academic organization. The impact of HRM on TM is very important, as it defines how an academic organization works to retain its talent and improve working conditions within the organization. In addition, this paper details the barriers that the human resource department faces with regard to TM and vice versa. Further, the authors attempted to ascertain the academic staff’s perspectives, their needs and the difficulties they face within the university.

Originality/value

This research paper shows the difficulties faced by the government institutions in China and Pakistan and how they cope with the current situation of TM within the available resources, polices and the impact of these on the working environment.
A novel approach for estimating the magnetization curve of magnetic fluids
Authors: Szczech Marcin
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Magnetization is one of the most important parameters of magnetic fluids. The shape of the magnetization curve often determines the application of a fluid in a device. On the basis of the magnetization curve, it is also possible to estimate, for example, the distribution and size of the particles in a magnetic fluid carrier fluid. The aim of this paper is to present a new approach for estimating the magnetization curve.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method is an iterative method based on the measurement of magnetic induction on a test stand. To determine the magnetization curve, a numerical simulation of the magnetic field distributions for the preliminary magnetization curve should also be performed. Numerical simulations for modified forms of the magnetization curve are performed until the difference between the results obtained by the measurement and numerical simulation are the smallest.

Findings

This paper presents the results of magnetization curve research for ferrofluids and magnetorheological fluids.

Originality/value

The discussed method shows the possibilities of using numerical simulations of magnetic field distribution to determine the magnetic properties of magnetic fluids. This method may be an alternative for estimating the magnetization curve of the magnetic fluid compared to other methods.
Numerical investigation of MHD nanofluid free convective heat transfer in a porous tilted enclosure
Authors: Sheikholeslami M.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The effect of a magnetic field on nanofluid natural convection in a porous annulus is simulated. Control volume-based finite element method (CVFEM) is applied to find the influence of tilted angle and Darcy, Rayleigh and Hartmann numbers on nanofluid hydrothermal behavior. Vorticity stream function formulation is taken into account. Also, Brownian motion effect on nanofluid thermal conductivity is considered. Results reveal that Hartmann number and tilted angle make changes in nanofluid flow style. Nusselt number enhances with augment of Darcy number and buoyancy forces but reduces with rise of tilted angle and Hartmann number.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of adding CuO nanoparticles in water on the velocity and temperature distribution in an inclined half-annulus was studied considering constant heat flux. CVFEM is applied to the simulation procedure.

Findings

Influences of CuO volume fraction, inclination angle and Rayleigh number on hydrothermal manners are presented.

Originality/value

Results indicate that inclination angle makes changes in flow style. The temperature gradient enhances with rise of buoyancy forces, whereas it reduces with augment of inclination angle.
Hyperparameter tuning for hidden unit conditional random fields
Authors: Yang Eun-Suk , Kim Jong Dae , Park Chan-Young , Song Hye-Jeong , Kim Yu-Seop
Published: June 2017

Purpose

In this paper, the problem of a nonlinear model – specifically the hidden unit conditional random fields (HUCRFs) model, which has binary stochastic hidden units between the data and the labels – exhibiting unstable performance depending on the hyperparameter under consideration.

Design/methodology/approach

There are three main optimization search methods for hyperparameter tuning: manual search, grid search and random search. This study shows that HUCRFs’ unstable performance depends on the hyperparameter values used and its performance is based on tuning that draws on grid and random searches. All experiments conducted used the n-gram features – specifically, unigram, bigram, and trigram.

Findings

Naturally, selecting a list of hyperparameter values based on a researchers’ experience to find a set in which the best performance is exhibited is better than finding it from a probability distribution. Realistically, however, it is impossible to calculate using the parameters in all combinations. The present research indicates that the random search method has a better performance compared with the grid search method while requiring shorter computation time and a reduced cost.

Originality/value

In this paper, the issues affecting the performance of HUCRF, a nonlinear model with performance that varies depending on the hyperparameters, but performs better than CRF, has been examined.
Influence of key role players on productivity outcomes in the residential building lifecycle
Authors: Mbachu Jasper , Egbelakin Temitope , Rasheed Eziaku Onyeizu , Shahzad Wajiha Mohsin
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study aims to answer the ‘what’ and ‘how’ questions about the key role players’ influence on the overall productivity outcomes in the lifecycle of residential buildings procured through the traditional route.

Design/methodology/approach

A mix of exploratory and descriptive research methods was used to obtain feedback from 179 role-players involved in various phases of the residential building lifecycle (RBLC) in New Zealand. Empirical data were analysed using content analysis, multi-attribute method and Friedman’s two-way analysis of variance.

Findings

Results showed that designers, building owners, main contractors and project managers were the greatest influencers of the productivity outcomes in the RBLC. The priority drivers of these key role-players’ influences on the RBLC productivity outcomes comprised poor brief interpretation, inclination to lowest tender, inadequate prior risk analysis and miscommunication of owner’s requirements and preferences to service providers, respectively. By taking proactive steps to redress their productivity inhibiting acts/omissions as identified in this study, the various role-players could contribute to significant improvement of productivity outcomes in the building lifecycle.

Research limitations/implications

It was not possible to interview all participants that made up the representative random samples from each role-player group due largely to workload related excuses. As a result, the findings and the conclusions may not be generalised beyond the study scope. However, the study achieved its purpose, as the main intent was to provide hypothetical constructs that could guide further confirmatory/experimental studies for residential buildings as well as for other building types.

Practical implications

A succinct and easy-to-follow model was developed as implementation pathway for operationalising the key findings of the study in the industry. The model highlights the Owner-Architect-Contractor Influence Triangle (OACIT) as the 20 per cent of the solutions that could deliver 80 per cent of the productivity improvement in the RBLC.

Originality/value

This study re-examines productivity issues not only from a life-cycle perspective but also from the perspectives of the majority of the key role-players. In addition, the OACIT concept offers a novel productivity improvement tool; it stresses that productivity in the traditionally procured building lifecycle could be optimised if the architect could focus greater attention on brief articulation and the issuance and review of design and specification information. Also, the owner should adopt productivity-enhancing procurement and contract strategies and emphasise more on value-addition and less on lowest tender price.
PlGFenhancesTLR‐dependent inflammatory responses in human mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Newell Laura F. , Holtan Shernan G. , Yates Jane E. , Pereira Leonardo , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Burd Irina , Bagby Grover C.
Published: June 2017

Problem

Levels of placental growth factor (PlGF) peak during third trimester of pregnancy, a time when women are at increased risk of virus‐induced morbidity. We hypothesized PlGFmight contribute to an exaggerated inflammatory response to Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation.

Method of study

Primary human adult and cord bloodCD14+cells were cultured in the presence ofTLRligands and/or PlGF.

Results

PlGFsignificantly enhanced the magnitude and duration ofTNFmessenger RNA and protein production byTLR‐7/8‐activated monocytes, and increased subsequent production ofTNF‐independent inflammatory cytokines. This PlGF/TLReffect involved multiple inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and was seen with the majority ofTLRagonists. PlGFenhanced phosphorylation of IkappaB kinase (IKK) in monocytes stimulated with theTLR‐7/8 agonist R848, andIKKinhibition completely suppressed the PlGFeffect.

Conclusion

PlGFenhancesTLR‐signaling upstream ofIKKand contributes to an exaggerated pathologic pro‐inflammatory state in response to activation of maternal and fetal mononuclear phagocytes by specificTLRagonists.
Coping With Racism: Moderators of the Discrimination–Adjustment Link Among Mexican‐Origin Adolescents
Authors: Park Irene J. K. , Wang Lijuan , Williams David R. , Alegría Margarita
Published: June 2017

What strategies help ethnic minority adolescents to cope with racism? The present study addressed this question by testing the role of ethnic identity, social support, and anger expression and suppression as moderators of the discrimination–adjustment link among 269 Mexican‐origin adolescents (Mage = 14.1 years), 12–17 years old from the Midwestern U.S. Results from multilevel moderation analyses indicated that ethnic identity, social support, and anger suppression, respectively, significantly attenuated the relations between discrimination and adjustment problems, whereas outward anger expression exacerbated these relations. Moderation effects differed according to the level of analysis. By identifying effective coping strategies in the discrimination–adjustment link at specific levels of analysis, the present findings can guide future intervention efforts for Latino youth.
Method of teaching undergraduate students to perform root canal treatment: It's influence on the quality of root fillings
Authors: Baaij A. , Özok A. R.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

This study aimed to assess whether the method of teaching endodontology influenced the quality of root fillings made by undergraduate students.

Materials and methods

The method of teaching endodontology at our institution was revised. Changes concerned: the programme (ie method of clinical training and summative assessment), and the supervision whilst performing root canal treatment on patients. An intermediate cohort (N=91) comprised partly students attending the former programme (involving patients) and partly students attending the revised programme (without patients). After succeeding in the summative assessment, the quality of the first root filling made by the student in a patient under supervision of either a general dental practitioner or an endodontist was evaluated according to pre‐determined criteria. Data were analysed using Cohen's Kappa, Chi‐square, Fisher's exact, Mann‐Whitney and Kruskal‐Wallis tests.

Results

Sixty‐two per cent (47 of 76) of root fillings made by students who attended the revised programme were of good quality, in comparison with 47% (seven of 15) of those made by students who attended the former programme (P=.274). Less complex treatments had better quality root fillings if students were supervised by endodontists (88% (14 of 16) good quality) than supervised by general dental practitioners (59% (22 of 37) good quality) (P=.045). Complex treatments did not differ in quality of root fillings for the supervision types (P=.825).

Conclusion

The quality of root fillings made by students who attended the revised programme seems at least as high as that of those who attended the former programme. Higher quality root fillings might be obtained under supervision of endodontists than under supervision of general dental practitioners.
Curriculum content and assessment of pre‐clinical dental skills: A survey of undergraduate dental education in Europe
Authors: Field J. , Stone S. , Orsini C. , Hussain A. , Vital S. , Crothers A. , Walmsley D.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Since 1981, the qualifications for various healthcare professionals across the European Union have enjoyed mutual recognition in accordance with the EU Directive 81/1057/EEC. Whilst the directive includes dental practitioners, it is recognised that significant variation exists in curriculum structure, content and scope of practice across institutions. This article aimed to explore pan‐European practice in relation to curriculum content, teaching and learning strategies and assessment of pre‐clinical dental skills.

Method

A request to complete an online questionnaire, in English, was sent electronically to skills leads at all Association of Dental Education in Europe member schools. The questionnaire collected information in relation to institution and country, regulatory requirements to demonstrate safety, details of specific pre‐clinical skills courses, learning materials and teaching staff.

Results

Forty‐eight institutions, from 25 European countries responded. Seven countries (n=7, 28%) reported no requirement to demonstrate student operative safety prior to patient treatment. Several core and operative clinical skills are common to the majority of institutions. The most commonly taught core skills related directly to the clinical environment such as cross‐infection control and hand washing. The least common were skills that indirectly related to patient care, such as communication skills and working as a team.

Conclusion

There are clear differences within European pre‐clinical dental education, and greater efforts are needed to demonstrate that all European students are fit to practice before they start treating patients. Learning outcomes, teaching activities and assessment activities of pre‐clinical skills should be shared collaboratively to further standardise curricula.
Specificity of, and influence of hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus on serum lipase activity as measured by the v‐LIP‐P slide
Authors: Steiner Joerg M. , Gomez Robynne , Suchodolski Jan S. , Lidbury Jonathan A.
Published: June 2017

Background

Measurement of pancreatic lipase in serum is being used for the diagnosis of pancreatitis.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to measure serum lipase activity by the v‐LIP‐P slide and serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentration by Spec cPL in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and in serum samples that were hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric.

Methods

Serum samples from 50 dogs with EPI, 8 samples spiked with canine hemoglobin, Intralipid, or ditaurobilirubin, and 8 samples from dogs with severe hypertriglyceridemia were evaluated using v‐LIP‐P and Spec cPL assays.

Results

Serum lipase activity (v‐LIP‐P) was in the lower 20% of the RI in 58% of EPI dogs, while serum cPLI (as measured by Spec cPL) was in the lower 20% of the RI in 98% of EPI dogs. The mean (±SD) observed‐to‐expected ratios for serum samples spiked with canine hemoglobin, Intralipid, or ditaurobilirubin were 63.0 ± 25.1%, 489.2 ± 469.7%, and 80.2 ± 11.6% for the v‐LIP‐P slide, respectively, and 99.3 ± 6.8%, 96.9 ± 9.4%, and 98.7 ± 11.0% for Spec cPL, respectively. However, naturally occurring hypertriglyceridemia did not appear to have a significant effect on serum lipase activity as measured by the v‐LIP‐P slide.

Conclusions

These results show that Spec cPL is specific for pancreatic lipase, while the v‐LIP‐P slide is not. In addition, hemolysis and lipemia had no effect on Spec cPL, while severe icterus resulted in a slight decrease in Spec cPL. Hemolysis and icterus had a significant effect on the v‐LIP‐P slide. The effect of lipemia on the v‐LIP‐P slide cannot be conclusively established based on this study.
EFFECTS OF HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN CLPC’S ɑ4-β2 LOOP DELETION FROM AN ALKALIPHILIC BACILLUS LEHENSIS G1 ON ITS STABILITY AND ACTIVITY
Authors: Rashid Siti Aishah , Abu Bakar Farah Diba , Abdul Murad Abdul Munir , Illias Rosli Md.
Published: June 2017

Protein loops are frequently considered as critical determinants that influence not only the function but also the structure of a protein. Bacillus lehensis G1 ClpC (WT) has a four-residue insertion at the ɑ4-β2 loop, which is absent in Bacillus subtillis ClpC. To foster a deep understanding of the significance of additional residues in the structure and function of ClpC, a deletion mutation involving residues 76-79 (∆76-79) was constructed. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to evaluate the structural perturbations associated with the deletion. The results demonstrated that, the precise configuration of the ɑ4-β2 loop is important for maintaining the structure and function of WT. ∆76-79 leads to severe global destabilisation and unfolding of the secondary structure of the protein, which decreases ATPase activity. The optimum temperature for ∆76-79 is 25 °C, down from 45 °C for WT. The results suggest that the additional four residues at the ɑ4-β2 loop are critical for WT’s structure and function.
DIMENSION IN ESTABLISHING THE RESPONSIVE MANUFACTURING PERFORMANCE – A REVIEW
Authors: Yusup Muhamad Zaki , Wan Mahmood Wan Hasrulnizzam , Kamar Zaman Syahrul Nizam , Salleh Mohd Rizal , Mohd Tahir Abdul Fattah
Published: June 2017

In a contemporary manufacturing environment, the concern against the level of manufacturing responsiveness is vital in sustaining the growth of the manufacturing firms for a longer period of time. From this point of view, manufacturers do not only can improve their performance in fulfilling the volatility of demands, but also allow them to develop a better plan to become more competitive in the global market. From reviews, 28 performance indicators were identified to drive the implementation of responsive manufacturing. These performance indicators appear to be influenced by three responsiveness mediators, namely suppliers, manufacturers, and customers. From the discussion, seven dimensions of responsiveness, i.e., market trends, management information’s system, environmental management, financial management, manufacturing capability, innovation, and the management of material and resources must be considered by manufacturers in coordinating, and streamlining the desired actions in establishing the responsive manufacturing practices. This information is useful as basis guidelines in formulating the strategy in strengthening the business function in achieving an exceptional responsiveness performance in manufacturing practices.
Counselling Practices in Fostering Potentials among Gifted Students
Authors: Piragasam Grace Annammal
Published: June 2017

The role of a school counsellor is inevitably vital in the process of holistically developing students. Counsellors are generally known for initiating career path and guidance apart from engaging students into various academic and co-academic programs to elevate individual potentials. However, little is known pertaining practices in counselling that serves gifted students to its best.  Similarly, the existence of a good rapport between school counsellors and gifted students has not shed its light in recent studies. The purpose of this study was to facilitate the concern in providing counselling as to what gifted students’ expectation would be in terms of counsellors’ approaches and support services which are delivered. Findings indicated that counselling services is less favored by gifted students as an impact of relatively lack of knowledge of the particular counselling needs of the gifted students. Thus, there is a need arising to shape counsellors’ awareness in dealing with gifted students on a better platform. Measures to establish students’ confidence in counsellors should also be promoted, considering the need for counsellors to put gifted students in their perspective of professions.
Analisis Perbandingan di Antara Industri, Pensyarah dan Graduan Terhadap Kepentingan Kemahiran Teknikal dan Kemahiran Employability yang Perlu Dikuasai oleh Graduan Bidang Elektrik di Kolej Komuniti
Authors: Hanapi Zaliza , Kamis Arasinah
Published: June 2017

A strong technical skills and employability skills among graduates is an important criterion to allow them a place in the job market. Therefore, this study aimed to examine more closely if there is a comparison of the perception of the importance of the elements of technical skills and Employability skills to be mastered by graduate electrical field between industry, Community College lecturers and graduates of the electric field at Community Colleges.The study involved 103 employers in the industry, 197 Community College lecturers in the field of electricity and 162 Community College electric course graduates. From the analysis of Anova-test, the findings indicated that there is a significant different among employers in the industry, Community College graduates and lecturers on the perception of the importance to all technical skills elements such as the basic skills, skills of designing, skill assembly, skills testing and maintenance skills to be mastered by the electric course graduates at the  Community College. While in terms of the perception of the importance of the element of employability skill, the results showed that there is a significant difference among employers in the industry, graduates and lecturers at the Community College on the perception of the importance of the element of Employability skill such as information management skills, self-management skills, skills, ethics and morality as well as entrepreneurial skills to be mastered by graduates of the electric course at the Community College. However, the element of skill employability namely communication skills, thinking skills, creative and critical thinking skills and team work and leadership skills, were found with no significant difference on the importance of elements such skills among employers in the industry, graduates and lecturers at the College Community. Therefore, the Department of Education of Community Colleges (JPKK) must always communicate and collaborate with industries in order to allow various sharing of knowledge acquired to facilitate the JPKK can identify the needs the of skills and the latest technology in the industry to be applied among the graduates of the College Community by improving existing curriculum.
Penerapan Nilai Kekeluargaan: Adakah Ianya Penting?
Authors: Jamaluddin Rahimah , Bakar Ab. Rahim , Sulaiman Siti Sa’adah
Published: June 2017

This qualitative study aims to explore family values that inculcated by teachers in teaching family education and to examine the importance of teaching family education to the secondary school students. The respondents consisted of three secondary school teachers who teach three subjects which consist of family theme. Qualitative case study using semi-structured interviews, observation and video recording were conducted to collect the data. Interview transcriptions were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software to build themes in this study. The findings of this study clearly indicated that implementation of family values can increase student awareness towards positive values that should be practiced in family life. The findings also shows that inculcation of family values significantly associated with environmental aspects which give positive implications to the student not only can strengthen their family relationships but can improve students personality. Inculcation of family values should be given attention and priority by all parties, especially teachers and parents in determine student outcomes in the future.
Kepentingan Peristiwa Pencetus Dalam Transformasi Perspektif Bekas Penagih Dadah
Authors: Abu Hassan Normala , Abd. Hamid Mohd Azhar
Published: June 2017

This paper describes a preliminary analysis of the transformative perspective phenomenon of a former drug addict. The drug problem is the problem number one in Malaysia. The number of drug addicts is increasing tremendously every year. The government spent billions ringgit each year for the rehabilitation  treatment for drug addicts.  Drug problem is a global issues that needs to be curbed from its roots. Past studies on the transformation of former drug addicts perspective was not given attention by local scholar compare to the Western countries. Therefore, this study will explore the learning process of former drug addicts to return to a normal life. Trigger event is an important element in transformative learning. The process of transformative learning start from the triggering event. Therefore, this paper will focus on the role of a trigger event in helping to transform former drug addicts. This event will trigger the change of emotions, spiritual, physical, cognitive and also a change in perspective of former drug addicts and thus a change in behavior. The study found that trigger event is triggering personal reflection on the meaning scheme (meaning perspectives) of former drug addicts. Through it, people will throw negative meaning scheme which is an important element for the changes. This study used qualitative methods and selection of respondents is based on sampling purpose which it based on pre-defined criteria by researcher. Phenomenology and case studies are selected as design study in order to understand a phenomenon and the case study. The results show that individuals who suffering from trigger events are fully integrated in the transformation perspective process on drug addiction. Finally, this paper will conclude the important of trigger event towards transformative perspective among former drug users.
Industry Involvement Conceptual Framework for Collaboration of National Dual Training Systems (NDTS) in Malaysia
Authors: Adam Sariyah , Rasul Mohamad Sattar , Mohamad Yassin Ruhizan
Published: June 2017

The issue of industry involvement in skills training programs since the 1950s has shown the level of industry involvement is still low in Malaysia. The government's efforts to involve high finance allocation in encouraging industry involvement also did not show good results. In 9th Malaysia Plan (2005-2010), the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) is targeting 6,300 industries to engage in National Dual Training System (NDTS) program. However, data from NDTS Q-Fact showed that until the end of the 2010, only 1,028 industries involved. In fact, until the end of the 10th Malaysia Plan in 2015, only 3,775 industries involved. This article proposed the framework for industry involvement collaboration of the NDTS programme in Malaysia. The method used in this article is a systematic review that takes previous studies on industry involvement in skills training collaboration into consideration. The framework built based on the organisation factors that influence the involvement of industry that described in these three variables: organisational governance, organisational motivation, organisational behaviour. Construct for each variable will be explained to see its relations with industrial involvement in the aspect of collaboration. Key findings from this study will form a strategic indicator of industrial involvement in implementation of NDTS programme in Malaysia.
Penilaian Psikometrik Instrumen Kesediaan Guru sebagai Pemimpin Guru
Authors: Mohd. Tahir Lokman , Talib Rohaya , Mohd Naim Hamimah , Musah Mohamad Berhanddin
Published: June 2017

The leadership of teacher remains as an essentially topic of educational leadership currently and it becomes teacher’s main role in implementing the school development process. However, there are less studies done in Malaysian schools; even hardly see Malaysian teachers are prepared to be teacher leaders  due to also lack of reliable and valid instrument that measure teacher leadership within Malaysian context. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the readiness of Malaysian teachers to be selected as teacher leaders among other teachers. Secondly, it also aims to measure the reliability and validity of instrument on teacher leadership in the context of Malaysian teachers. A total of 189 secondary school teachers who have more than five years’ experience were selected to be the respondents to answer the 12 items on teachers’ readiness as teacher leaders based on two main constructs such as personal and professional readiness. Finding from the factor analyses (exploratory and confirmatory) indicated that items from the professional and personal readiness constructs have high convergent validity in measuring the relevant teacher leadership. In addition, values from the correlational matrix also indicated high values of discriminant validity. Hence, it was proved that the teacher leadership readiness instrument has high validity and reliability in examining teachers’ readiness as a teacher leader.
Shaping Self-efficacy: Tracking a Group of Early Childhood Education Students for Four Years, from College to Employment in the Field
Authors: Dori Nitsa
Published: June 2017

A “sense of self-efficacy” is defined as the process of linking knowledge to action, as the assessment of the ability to execute a behavior leading to a certain outcome. A person’s perception of self-efficacy has behavioral and emotional implications. When people doubt their own abilities, they tend not to persevere, give up rapidly when encountering difficulties, and feel anxiety and negative emotional arousal when they believe they cannot cope. In terms of self-efficacy, the functions of educators, teachers, and pre-school teachers touch on at least three domains: Task, Interpersonal, and Organizational. This article documents supervision of a group of students in the Early Childhood training track including the work of novice pre-school teachers. It demonstrates what the students undergo, from the beginning of their training to employment as pre-school teachers. Based on the findings, the article reaches conclusions regarding the factors associated with student-pre-school teachers’ sense of self efficacy, how each group member learns to form her own sense of self-efficacy, group interactions and achievements, whether self-efficacy is a personality trait or a formative belief, and the nature of the profiles of student-pre-school teachers with a high and low sense of self-efficacy. The article concludes that a person has varying levels of self-efficacy regarding different aspects of both his general and professional life. A person learns by dialogue with his environment and those around him, as well as with himself. Dialogue allows every teacher to further expand and improve his knowledge.