bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-element stable isotope approach coupled with chemometrics for the determination of Tieguanyin tea geographical origin and harvest season
Authors: Zhou Peng , Li Zeyu , Ouyang Liqun , Gong Xuedong , Meng Peng , Dai Ming , Wang Zheng , Wang Ying
Published: December 2018

The taste and aroma quality and the price of tea are largely impacted by the geographical origin and harvest season.
Mesoporous Pd@Pt core–shell nanoparticles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a sensing platform: application in simultaneous electrochemical detection of anticancer drugs doxorubicin and dasatinib
Authors: Kalambate Pramod K. , Li Yankai , Shen Yue , Huang Yunhui
Published: December 2018

A novel electrochemical sensor based on Pd@Pt/MWCNT composite for simultaneous detection of doxorubicin and dasatinib.
Rapid screening of antimalarial drugs using low-temperature plasma desorption/ionization Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Ateacha Derick N. , Kuhlmann Christopher , Engelhard Carsten
Published: December 2018

Antimalarial drugs for the treatment of malaria are amongst the most counterfeit drugs in third world countries.
Design and synthesis of a highly efficient heterogeneous MnCo2O4 oxide catalyst for alcohol oxidation: DFT insight into the synergistic effect between oxygen deficiencies and bimetal species
Authors: Li Dandan , Ruan Fei , Jin Yangxin , Ke Qingping , Cao Yali , Wang Hao , Wang Tingting , Song Yujun , Cui Ping
Published: December 2018

We report the design and synthesis of an oxygen vacancy-abundant spinel-structured MnCo2O4 oxide as a highly efficient catalyst for alcohol oxidation.
Syngas production by partial oxidation of ethanol on PtNi/SiO2–CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Kraleva Elka , Rodrigues Clarissa P. , Pohl Marga-Martina , Ehrich Heike , Noronha Fabio B.
Published: December 2018

Syngas production from the partial oxidation of (bio)ethanol (POE) was demonstrated.
Dietary wild bitter gourd displays selective androgen receptor modulator like activity and improves the muscle decline of orchidectomized mice
Authors: Wang Chih-Ling , Kung Hsiu-Ni , Wu Ching-Ho , Huang Ching-jang
Published: December 2018

Wild bitter gourd, like selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), restored the mass of androgen responsive muscles but not prostate and might improve skeletal muscle function in orchidectomized mice.
Combining Co3S4 and Ni:Co3S4 nanowires as efficient catalysts for overall water splitting: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Tang Shasha , Wang Xing , Zhang Yongqi , Courté Marc , Fan Hong Jin , Fichou Denis
Published: December 2018

In the quest for mass production of hydrogen from water electrolysis, to develop highly efficient, stable and low-cost catalysts is still the central challenge.
Pd–Co nanoalloys nested on CuO nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic N2 reduction and room-temperature Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Fu Wenzhi , Cao Yudong , Feng Qianyi , Smith William R. , Dong Pei , Ye Mingxin , Shen Jianfeng
Published: December 2018

The nanoalloy structure greatly improves the catalytic activity for electrocatalytic N2 reduction and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions under ambient conditions.
A curvature-tunable random laser
Authors: Lee Ya-Ju , Yeh Ting-Wei , Yang Zu-Po , Yao Yung-Chi , Chang Chen-Yu , Tsai Meng-Tsan , Sheu Jinn-Kong
Published: December 2018

We report the first experimental demonstration of curvature-tunable random lasers to control the transport mean free path of emitted photons.
Thiacalixarene “knot” effect on protein binding by oligolactic acid particles
Authors: Mostovaya Olga A. , Gorbachuk Vladimir V. , Bazanova Olga B. , Gerasimov Alexander V. , Evtugyn Vladimir G. , Osin Yury N. , Myakushev Viktor D. , Rizvanov Ildar Kh. , Stoikov Ivan I.
Published: December 2018

Oligolactic acid modified with thiacalixarenes forms nanosized associates with transport proteins and micron-scale aggregates with lysozyme.
Room-temperature Pd(ii)-catalyzed direct C–H TIPS-ethynylation of phenylacetic amides with terminal alkynes
Authors: Chen Cui-Hong , Chai Yun , Zhou Zheng-Xin , Rao Wei-Hao , Liu Bin , Liu Li , Xu Ran , Liu Yue-Jin , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: December 2018

Ligand-promoted Pd(ii)-catalyzed direct C–H alkynylation of phenylacetic amides has been developed, where 8-aminoquinoline was employed as a removable bidentate auxiliary, giving rise to optically pure ortho-alkynylated α-APA.
Highly intense room-temperature photoluminescence in V2O5 nanospheres
Authors: Le Top Khac , Kang Manil , Han Sang Wook , Kim Sok Won
Published: December 2018

Room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) in V2O5 nanospheres with zero-like dimensional structure was investigated.
Preparation of pH-responsive asymmetric polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes with enhanced anti-fouling properties and performance by incorporating poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) additive
Authors: Xu Ruizhang , Wang Jiantao , Chen DanDan , Yang Feng , Kang Jian , Xiang Ming , Li Lu , Sheng Xingyue
Published: December 2018

In this study, pH value-responsive and anti-fouling enhanced asymmetric polysulfone (PSf) ultrafiltration membranes have been prepared by incorporating poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOX) as polymeric additives.
Enhancing the thermostability ofRhizopus oryzaelipase by combined mutation of hot-spots and engineering a disulfide bond
Authors: Zhao Jiong-feng , Wang Zhe , Gao Fei-long , Lin Jian-ping , Yang Li-rong , Wu Mian-bin
Published: December 2018

The thermostability ofRhizopus oryzaelipase was greatly enhanced by combined mutation of hot-spots and engineering a disulfide bond.
The solvent-driven formation of multi-morphological Ag–CeO2plasmonic photocatalysts with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic reduction of CO2
Authors: Cai Wei , Shi Yunpeng , Zhao Yunxia , Chen Mindong , Zhong Qin , Bu Yunfei
Published: December 2018

The synthesized plasmonic Ag–Ce composite photocatalyst exhibited excellent VLPCR performance caused by SPR effects.
Simple electrochemical reduction of nitrones to amines
Authors: Rodrigo Eduardo , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: December 2018

Only electricity is needed for the transformation of nitrones to amines. Such a direct double reduction has not been reported by any sole chemical reagent in a single step process.
Reaction-free and MMP-independent fluorescent probes for long-term mitochondria visualization and tracking
Authors: Zhang Ruoyao , Niu Guangle , Li Xuechen , Guo Lifang , Zhang Huamiao , Yang Rui , Chen Yuncong , Yu Xiaoqiang , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: December 2018

We present two mitochondria-immobilized fluorescent probes ECPI-12 and IVPI-12 for long-term mitochondria visualization and tracking regardless of MMP changes.
Investigating the effect of MnO2 band gap in hybrid MnO2–Au materials over the SPR-mediated activities under visible light
Authors: Zhu Kai , Wang Chunrui , Camargo Pedro H. C. , Wang Jiale
Published: December 2018

The tuning of band gap can mediate the SPR catalytic activities for metal–semiconductor hybrid materials.
A tunable positive and negative photoconductive photodetector based on a gold/graphene/p-type silicon heterojunction
Authors: Wang Peng-Fei , Liu Yu , Yin Jun , Ma Wanyun , Dong Zhanmin , Zhang Wei , Zhu Jia-Lin , Sun Jia-Lin
Published: December 2018

Fast switching of positive and negative photocurrents of a device under the modulation of different incident laser power densities.
Ferroelectric transitions in silver niobate ceramics
Authors: Tian Ye , Li Jing , Hu Qingyuan , Jin Li , Yu Kun , Li Jinglei , Politova E. D. , Stefanovich S. Yu. , Xu Zhuo , Wei Xiaoyong
Published: December 2018

Silver niobate (AgNbO3)-based dielectric materials show great application potential in pulse power energy storage systems due to their high energy storage density.
Taenia solium glutathione transferase fraction activates macrophages and favors the development of Th1-type response
Authors: Vega-Angeles Vera Teresa , Terrazas Luis I. , Ledesma-Soto Yadira , Jiménez Lucía , Landa Abraham
Published: December 2018

Glutathione (GSH) transferase (GST) is an essential enzyme in cestodes for the detoxification of xenobiotics. In Taenia solium, two GSTs (Ts25GST and Ts26GST kDa) were isolated as a fraction (SGSTF) by GSH-Sepharose-4B. Both are located on the tegument. Immunization assays with SGSTF reduced up to 90% of the parasitic load in a murine model of cysticercosis. It prompted us to investigate how SGSTF induces this protective immune response. To test it, we exposed peritoneal macrophages to SGSTF for 24 h; such exposure favored the production of IL-12, TNF, and IL-10 as well as the expression of nitric oxide synthase 2 inducible (Nos2) and CD86, but did not induce the expression of chitinase-like 3 (Chil3). Confocal microscopy showed that the macrophages internalize the SGSTF which co-localized after 1 h with MHC-II in their plasma membranes. Macrophages exposed to SGSTF and co-cultured with anti-CD3 pre-activated T CD4+ cells, enhanced the proliferation of CD4+ cells, induced high interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secretion, and elevated the expression of CD25 and CD69, molecules associated with cell activation. Similar assay using T CD4+ cells from DO11.10 mice and ovalbumin (OVA) peptide+SGSTF as stimuli, showed enhanced cell proliferation and OVA-specific IFN-γ secretion. These data are in-line with those indicating that the P1, P5, and P6 peptides of Schistosoma japonicum 28GST highly promote T-cell proliferation and Th1 response in vitro. We found that such peptides are also present on Ts25GST and Ts26GST. It suggests that SGSTF activates peritoneal macrophages to a classically activated-like phenotype, and that these macrophages induce the differentiation of T CD4+ cells toward a Th1-type response.
Improvement of illumination‐insensitive features for face recognition under complex illumination conditions
Authors: Zhuang Liyun , Guan Yepeng
Published: December 2018

Complex illumination condition is one of the most critical challenging problems for practical face recognition. In this study, the authors propose a novel method to improve the illumination invariants for solving this challenge. Firstly, a new method based on the Lambert reflectance model is proposed to extract illumination invariant, which is insensitive to complex illumination variations. Secondly, in order to repair the defects caused by the process of illumination invariants extraction, the fast mean filter is utilised to smooth and remove noise. Lastly, for raising the richness of information in the output image, a nonlinear normalisation transformation is proposed. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐arts, experimental results show that the proposed method can extract more robust illumination invariants. Apart from it, the richness of information in the processed image is greater and the performance of the face recognition rate is superior.
Investigating ULX accretion flows and cyclotron resonance in NGC 300 ULX1
Authors: Koliopanos F. , Vasilopoulos G. , Buchner J. , Maitra C. , Haberl F.
Published: December 2018

Aims. We investigate accretion models for the newly discovered pulsating ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) NGC 300 ULX1.

Methods. We analyzed broadband XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations of NGC 300 ULX1, performing phase-averaged and phase-resolved spectroscopy. Using the Bayesian framework, we compared two physically motivated models for the source spectrum: Non-thermal accretion column emission modeled by a power law with a high-energy exponential roll-off (AC model), and multicolor thermal emission from an optically thick accretion envelope plus a hard power-law tail (MCAE model). The AC model is an often used phenomenological model for the emission of X-ray pulsars, while the MCAE model has recently been proposed for the emission of the optically thick accretion envelope that is expected to form in ultraluminous (LX >  1039 erg s−1), highly magnetized accreting neutron stars. We combined the findings of our Bayesian analysis with qualitative physical considerations to evaluate the suitability of each model.

Results. The low-energy part (< 2 keV) of the source spectrum is dominated by non-pulsating, multicolor thermal emission. The (pulsating) high-energy continuum is more ambiguous. If modeled with the AC model, a residual structure is detected that can be modeled using a broad Gaussian absorption line centered at ∼12 keV. However, the same residuals can be successfully modeled using the MCAE model, without the need for the absorption-like feature. Model comparison using the Bayesian approach strongly indicates that the MCAE model without the absorption line is the preferred model.

Conclusions. The spectro-temporal characteristics of NGC 300 ULX1 are consistent with previously reported traits for X-ray pulsars and (pulsating) ULXs. All models considered strongly indicate the presence of an accretion disk that is truncated at a large distance from the central object, as has recently been suggested for a large portion of both pulsating and non-pulsating ULXs. The hard, pulsed emission is not described by a smooth spectral continuum. If modeled by a broad Gaussian absorption line, the fit residuals can be interpreted as a cyclotron scattering feature (CRSF) compatible with a ∼1012 G magnetic field. However, the MCAE model can successfully describe the spectral and temporal characteristics of the source emission, without the need for an additional absorption feature, and it yields physically meaningful parameter values. Therefore strong doubts are cast on the presence of a CRSF in NGC 300 ULX1.
Axiomatic Design and Design Thinking in Humanities and Social Sciences in the 21st Century
Authors: Suh Nam Pyo
Published: December 2018

Since the Industrial Revolution (IR), science and technology have advanced at an ever-accelerating rate. In a mere 250 years since IR, advances in science and technology have changed nearly all aspects of humanity. Before IR, people and animals were used as the primary source of power and energy. After IR, steam engines and other power sources replaced human and animal power, which ultimately changed the economic and political structure of many nations and the world. Now, the world is undergoing socio-economic transformation due to information technology and will soon enter the age of biological revolution. These and other advances in science and technology are likely to accelerate, creating both opportunities and some unanticipated risks to humanity. To ascertain that the technological changes result in positive outcomes for humanity and society, more research in humanities and social sciences is needed so as to complement the advances being made in natural sciences and technology. The question raised in this paper is: “Can Axiomatic Design and design thinking be applied in the fields of humanities and social sciences so as to create imaginative societal solutions in the technology era?” Design examples are given that show how AD can be applied in non-technical fields.
Stabilization of Marine Clay Soil Using Polyurethane
Authors: Saleh Samaila , Yunus Nur Zurairahetty Mohd , Ahmad Kamarudin , Ali Nazri
Published: December 2018

Many chemicals stabilisation techniques are being employed all over the world to improve the engineering and physical properties of the problematic soils and reduce the potential damages caused by them. Out of those chemical stabilisation technics, application of Polyurethane to improve the strength of marine clay was investigated in the laboratory. Characterization of the soil geotechnical properties was carried out by conducting laboratory test that includes natural moisture content, Atterberg limits, grains sizes analyses, specific gravity, moisture-density relationship, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), organic matter content and PH tests. Unconfined compressive strength test at optimum moisture content with varying the dose of the Polyurethane content was conducted to test the effectiveness of Polyurethane as a chemical stabiliser. The result of the preliminary tests of the sample shows that the soil has a liquid limit of 65%, plastic limit of 26% and plasticity index of 53%. The percentages of gravel, sand and fines in the marine clay sample were 0 %, 1.32 % and 98.68 % respectively %. The results of the UCS test also revealed that Polyurethane stabilisation improved the strength of marine clay by 230%. Thus, the improvement in strength of stabilised marine clay soil can significantly reduce the overall thickness of the pavement and total cost of the road construction in future.
Disabled People Data Management using GIS-DSS : Songkhla Province, Thailand
Authors: Tongkaw Sasalak , Tongkaw Aumnat
Published: December 2018

This paper outlines the design and development of a prototype: GIS Decision Support System (GIS-DSS) on web-based and mobile application, for resource management, resource assessment, and to increase environmental quality by using disabled people data in Songkhla province, Thailand. This paper integrated GIS and DSS together and implemented on two platforms. First, for web frontend, using AngularJS and jquery technology over a Google API, and second, for mobile application, using node.js, the GIS technology used to support data access and process in both web-based and mobile application platform. The prototype DSS framework was applied to simulate the disabled facilities around the Songkhla province and other public areas. This paper intends to develop the prototype GIS-DSS into a full-fledged tool harnessed to enable better management and plan the future Songkhla smart city.
Review on biological process of soil improvement in the mitigation of liquefaction in sandy soil
Authors: Muhammed Abubakar Sadiq , Kassim Khairul Anuar , Uba Zango Muttaqa
Published: December 2018

Recently, the concept of using biological process in soil improvement otherwise called bio-mediated soil improvement technique has shown greater prospects in the mitigation of liquefiable soils. It is an environmental friendly technique that has generated great interest to geotechnical engineers. This paper presents a review on the microorganism responsible for the biological processes in soil improvement system, factors that affect biological process, identifying the mechanism of liquefaction and commonly adopted method to mitigate liquefaction. Next, the effect of microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) on the strength and cyclic response were also analyzed, where it was identified that higher cementation level leads to formation of larger sized calcite crystals which in turn leads to the improved shear strength, stiffness and cyclic resistance ratio of the soil. However, the effects of various bacteria, cementation reagent concentrations amongst other factors were not fully explored in most of the studies. Finally, some of the challenges that lay ahead for the emerging technology are optimizing treatment factors (bacteria and cementation reagent concentration), upscaling process, training of researchers/technologist and long – time durability of the improved soils.
Pedestrians’ involvement on safe crossing by using facilities based on extended theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Sundararajan Komala Devi , Ambak Kamarudin , Daniel Basil David , Prasetijo Joewono , Ishak Siti Zaharah
Published: December 2018

Malaysia is considered one of the countries experiencing rapid growth in motorization, automobile and transportation systems. Walking is a major mode of transportation in developing countries where most road user are pedestrians who spend significant time on roads and using the road facilities. Department of Road Safety (JKJR) Malaysia statistics recorded that pedestrian is the third highest category involved in traffic accident after the car and motocycle drivers. The potential cause of death to the pedestrian was lack of using crossing facilities and careless crossing. The main strategy can be used to reduce the severity of pedestrian fatalities by using proper safe crossing facilities. To have better understanding of pedestrian behaviour, extended theory of planned behaviour used to predict the behavioral intention and to increase the proper usage of crossing facilities among Malaysian pedestrians. Full structured models are proposed and to be tested so that, the significant predictor can be identified. In future works, a factor analysis, known as Structural Equation Model (SEM) will be used in modeling exercise. The hypothesis testing will be conducted to determine the significance of the constructs. Furthermore, it will have great significance for the future on how to better utilize and enhance the pedestrian to use crossing facilities.
Physical properties and chemical bonding of advera® modified asphalt binder
Authors: Mohammad Taher Mohammad Nasir , Aman Mohamad Yusri , Abdullah@Musa Nor Farah Azila
Published: December 2018

Modification of asphalt to improve the overall performance of pavements has been the focus of numerous researchers in recent years. This paper discovered whether the use of chemical additives namely Advera® is possible to influence the physical and chemical bonding of asphalt binder grade 80/100 subjected to different aging conditions. The fundamental characteristics of modified binder containing 4%, 5%, 6% and 7% of Advera® were determined by conventional methods while chemical characterisation was assessed by conducting Fourier tTransform iInfrared sSpectroscopy (FTIR). With the aid of image tool, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to study the surface texture and morphology of Advera® modified binder.The results indicated that, the Advera® modified binder had improved the physical and chemical properties over base binder for both aging condition. The SEM images show that the microstructure of Advera® modified asphalt binder changed compared to the control asphalt binder. A good dispersion of Advera® particles in the asphalt binder matrix is observed. This is proved by the FTIR results which indicate that the stretching of hydroxide is increase when the Advera® is added in the virgin asphalt binder.
Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) approach to the selection of heritage building element
Authors: Zuraidi Siti Nor Fatimah , Abdul Rahman Mohammad Ashraf , Akasah Zainal Abidin
Published: December 2018

In order to bring the reduction of damage and defect of heritage buildings, the management needs to use an suitable methodology approach for the element heritage building. The goal of this paper is to make the selection of criteria and attribute by using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for heritage building. The selection of criteria and attributes for heritage building are divided into three criteria which are building the structure, building fabric, and building service. By pairwise comparison matrix, the process of selection for criteria and attribute to to enable possible improvements. This finding has shown that all element criteria and attributes in heritage building are important with their function.
A glimpse of horizontal directional drilling productivity factors
Authors: Salleh Mohd Norizam , Azam Haron Nuzul , Mohd Shafri Helmi Zulhaidi , Abdullah Abdul Aziz , Ahmad Nadzrol Fadzilah
Published: December 2018

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a trenchless technology provides an installation alternative that offers a lot of benefit compared to traditional open-cut method. It’s called HDD because its steering ability to avoid existing utilities or other obstacles either horizontally, vertically and even pulled back where she got its name. HDD was developed in California in the 1970s and was introduced in Europe in 1986. Since year 1992 up to 2016 there are about 40 thousand unit HDD machine were sold worldwide. Contractors, consultants, municipalities and decision makers are always in difficulties to determine the installation cost and the duration required when using the HDD method due to the presence of many qualitative factors. Understanding the HDD productivity factors will assist the stakeholders to overcome this matter. The aims of this study are to identify the existing HDD productivity factors, identify the factors that affect HDD productivity, identify the current tools that are used by current researcher, and identify the open problems and areas related to HDD productivity for improvement. Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was carried to previous related papers retrieved by a manual search, critically analysed and discussed. Researches regarding HDD productivity conducted by previous researchers were compared and discussed. The studies involved journal articles, conference papers, books, guidelines and etc. Consequently, these previous experiences and models can assist the contractors, consultants, municipalities and decision makers in preparing their costing and scheduling. The lacking factors on HDD productivity factors were highlighted and suggested for futre studies.
Dosage and pH optimization on stabilized landfill leachate via coagulation-flocculation process
Authors: Mohd-Salleh Siti Nor Aishah , Mohd-Zin Nur Shaylinda , Othman Norzila , Mohd-Amdan Nur Syahirah , Mohd-Shahli Fitryaliah
Published: December 2018

Treatment on the generated landfill leachate is crucial as it can cause serious toxicological effects and environmental hazards, particularly when the unfavorable contaminants are left accumulated for a long period of time. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum coagulant dosage of polyaluminium chloride (PAC) in selected dosage ranges (2250-4500 mg/L) and to analyse the ideal pH of leachate sample (pH 3-10). PAC was tested on stabilized leachate taken from Simpang Renggam Landfill Site (SRLS), by investigating the percentage removals of five significant parameters, which were suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, and heavy metals (iron (Fe) and chromium (Cr)). The removal efficiency was determined by a series of experiments using jar test. From the obtained results, it was found that 3750 mg/L and pH 7 were the optimum conditions for PAC dosage and sample pH, respectively. The conventional optimization test showed satisfactory results for suspended solids, COD, Fe, and Cr at 95%, 53%, 97%, and 79% respectively, but had low removal on ammonia at 18%. It can be concluded that the coagulation-flocculation process has the potential to be applied as a primary treatment for stabilized landfill leachate in Malaysia.
Hydrochemical analysis and evaluation of heavy metals in groundwater: A case study
Authors: Mohd Shahli Fitryaliah , Rahmat Siti Nazahiyah , Mohd Salleh Siti Nor Aishah
Published: December 2018

The hydrochemical characteristics and the type of groundwater were identified in order to investigate the elements of major ions of groundwater samples in hydro-meteorology station located in Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia, UTHM. The objectives of the study were to measure the concentration of major ions and evaluate their chemical compositions . The measured ions were namely sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), bicarbonate (HCO3), sulfate (SO4), heavy metals substance such as zinc (zn), ferum (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). Eight (8) groundwater samples were collected between January 2018 and March 2018 from a tubewell located at the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, Johor followed by laboratory analyses by using Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The concentrations of major cations and anions were determined and the concecutive strength were Na>Mg>K>Ca and Cl>HCO3>SO, respectively. Correlations among various pollutants were also observed. Strong correlations (p<0.01) were found between Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and Electric Conductivity (EC). Both TDS and EC also showed strong positive correlations with Na, Mg, and Cl ions. The dispersal of major ions in groundwater was determined using piper diagram. The major cation and anion found were Na and Cl, respectively. The type of water that predominates in the study area was Na–Cl which indicated the groundwater influence from seawater intrusion. Mean concentrations for heavy metals parameters were also identified. The values milligram per litre (mg/L) were Mn (0.20), Cu (0.01), Fe (0.50) and Zn (0.04), respectively. Overall, the selected heavy metal parameters which were Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn met the Recommended Raw Water Standard by Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
Particulate matter study at residential and educational areas in Shah Alam, Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Zahid Azyan Zafyrah , Abdul Malik Nurul Najra Amizah , Kassim Jalina
Published: December 2018

Air pollution has become a crucial problem nowadays, especially on particulate matter. Major sources of particulate matter came from transportation, while wind speed, temperature and other factors can contribute to this problem. This research focuses on the determination of levels of particulate matter at residential and educational areas in Shah Alam. Two (2) sites were chosen, namely Flat Nilam Sari that represented the residential areas while University of Selangor represented the educational areas. Four (4) sets of levels of particulate matter and other parameters (traffic volume, temperature and wind speed) were obtained by using Dylos DC1700 Laser Particle Counters and Mini Thermo-Anemometer respectively. The results obtained showed that the particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) at both study areas are below permissible limits required by Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guidelines (MAAQS). However, the Air Quality Indexes of PM2.5 at both study areas shows that the AQI readings are categorized as unhealthy. The highest AQI reading was 159, which was recorded at residential area. In most cases, the results revealed that particulate matter produced by traffic vehicles has significant correlation with the increase of travelled particles. From the correlation analysis, both study areas have significant correlation of PM2.5 with medium vehicles while the educational area has correlation with all types of heavy, medium and small vehicles.
Adsorption of phosphate from aqueous solutions using waste mussel shell
Authors: Abdul Salim Nur Atikah , Abdullah Noorul Hudai , Khairuddin Muhammad Rijaluddin , Rudie Arman Mohd A’ben Zulkarnain , Khamidun Mohd Hairul , Fulazzaky Mohamad Ali , Mohd Yusoff Abdull Rahim , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Puteh Mohd Hafiz
Published: December 2018

Excessive amount of phosphate released from wastewater can cause eutrophication to the receiving waters. Adsorption technique has been used to remove phosphate from aqueous solutions. The use of waste mussel shell (WMS) to remove phosphate from aqueous solutions and application of several kinetic and isotherm models to describe the adsorption of phosphate onto WMS were conducted in batch experiments. The phosphate adsorption by the WMS was examined with respect to solute concentration, contact time and adsorbent dose. The phosphate removal efficiencies obtained were 46.7, 57.6, 64.1, 70.8 and 75.2% at 144 h contact time for WMS dosage of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g, respectively. Physical and chemical properties of WMS including surface physical morphology and elemental compositions were characterized. A comparison of kinetic models applied to the phosphate adsorption onto WMS was evaluated for the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order model. The experimental data fitted very well with the pseudo-second order kinetic model (R2 > 0.984), which indicated the adsorption process was chemisorption. In the isotherm studies, the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied. The results indicated that the use of Freundlich equation is well described with the phosphate adsorptions onto WMS (R2 = 0.968), suggesting the heterogeneity of the adsorbent surface. The experimental results suggested the use of WMS as an excellent adsorption material for phosphate removal from aqueous solutions, giving new insights into environmental engineering practices.
Dissimilar resistance spot welding of AISI 304 to AISI 409 stainless steels: mechanical properties and microstructural evolutions
Authors: Safari Mehdi , Mostaan Hossein , Ghaderi Abdoreza
Published: December 2018

In this work, dissimilar resistance spot welding of austenitic stainless steel sheet (304 grade) and ferritic stainless steel sheet (409 grade) is studied experimentally. For this purpose, the effects of process parameters such as welding current, welding time and electrode force on tensile-shear strength of resistance spot welded joints are investigated with response surface methodology (RSM). Also, microstructural evolutions during resistance spot welding process of AISI 409 and AISI 304 stainless steels are evaluated by optical microscopy. It is concluded from results that the tensile-shear strength of spot welds is increased with increasing the welding current, welding time and electrode force. It is shown that widmanstatten ferrites have been grown in the weld metal of dissimilar resistance spot welds of AISI 304 and AISI 409 stainless steels.
Sequential extraction of vanadium and chromium from chromium-bearing vanadium slag through two-stage soda roasting-water leaching
Authors: Fan Helin , Duan Huamei , He Wenjie , Chen Dengfu , Liu Tao , Long Mujun , Xu Pei
Published: December 2018

The sequential extraction of vanadium and chromium from the chromium-bearing vanadium slag through two-stage soda roasting-water leaching was proposed. The precipitation order and thermodynamic stability of Cr-spinel and V-spinel were thoroughly calculated with FactSage 6.3 software. The mechanism of the sequential extraction process is further determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thermodynamic calculations show that the precipitation order of main phases in the chromium-bearing vanadium slag is as follows: Cr-spinel → V-spinel → Fe-olivine, while the priority of the reaction between main phases with Na2CO3 follows the order of Fe-olivine → V-spinel → Cr-spinel. XRD results reveal that the vanadium-bearing phase in roasted slag is water-soluble NaVO3, while the chromium-bearing phase in roasted slag is Cr-spinel ((Mn, Fe) Cr2O4) and solid solutions ((Fe0.6Cr0.4)2 O3) with the soda amount of 21% and temperature of 800 °C. The different evolution route of vanadium-bearing phase and chromium-bearing phase during the roasting process ensures preferential extraction of vanadium from the chromium-bearing vanadium slag. The leaching rates of vanadium and chromium reach 89.36% and 4.91% with optimized experimental conditions. The high leaching rate of vanadium and low leaching rate of chromium show good results of preferential extraction of vanadium from the chromium-bearing vanadium slag.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and variables associated with seropositivity in donkeys in eastern China
Authors: Meng Qing-Feng , Li Dan , Yao Gui-Zhe , Zou Yang , Cong Wei , Shan Xiao-Feng
Published: December 2018

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are widely distributed throughout China; they are used for their meat, as food, and certain donkey-derived items are also important for traditional Chinese medicinal purposes. However, only limited information is available on Toxoplasma gondii infection in donkeys in China, especially the eastern region, which is one of the largest production areas. Thus, the present study was conducted to detect specific anti-T. gondii antibodies using a commercially available indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) kit and to evaluate the risk factors that are associated with seroprevalence in the Shandong province of eastern China. A total of 213/1278 (17%) donkeys tested from Shandong province were positive for T. gondii antibodies. Statistical analysis revealed that gender and feeding habits of the animal are associated with T. gondii infection. These results provide information for the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis in donkeys, other animals, and humans in this region and elsewhere.
Global distribution center number of some graphs and an algorithm
Authors: Durgut Rafet , Kutucu Hakan , Turaci Tufan
Published: December 2018

The global center is a newly proposed graph concept. For a graph G = (V(G), E(G)), a set S ⊆ V(G) is a global distribution center if every vertex v ∈ V(G)\S is adjacent to a vertex u ∈ S with |N[u] ∩ S| ≥ |N[v] ∩ (V(G)\S)|, where N(v) = {u ∈ V(G)|uv ∈ E(G)} and N[v] = N(v) ∪ {v}. The global distribution center number of a graph G is the minimum cardinality of a global distribution center of G. In this paper, we investigate the global distribution center number for special families of graphs. Furthermore, we develop a polynomial time heuristic algorithm to find the set of the global distribution center for general graphs.
Osteosarcoma Nursing Care Guidelines: A Tool to Enhance the Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents Enrolled on a Medical Research Protocol
Authors: Gilger Elizabeth A. , Groben Valerie J. , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: December 2018

Clinical trials dominate the therapeutic approaches used in pediatric oncology with the majority of pediatric oncology patients receiving treatment on medical research protocols. These protocols detail the medical treatment that enrolled patients will receive. Nursing care is not described in these documents. However, nursing care must complement the medical care as written in the medical research protocol. Administering treatments safely, assessing treatment responses, educating patients and families, and communicating with the entire health care team are some of the essential nursing responsibilities that must be carefully orchestrated. Nursing care guidelines, as described here, were created to provide the careful balance between the medical research protocol and associated nursing care. These guidelines describe the nursing actions and considerations involved in caring for pediatric oncology patients enrolled on a particular medical research protocol. The purpose of this article is to describe the process used to create and evaluate nursing care guidelines.
Artificial Nails: Are They Putting Patients at Risk? A Review of the Research
Authors: Toles Angela
Published: December 2018

The use of artificial nails has become a popular fashion trend, and many health care workers are following this trend. There is debate whether artificial nails are putting patients at risk of nosocomial infections. Researchers have shown that the colony counts on artificial nails are greater than the colony counts on native nails. Artificial nails have also been linked to poor hand washing practices and more tears in gloves. These factors lead to an increased risk of transmitting bacteria to patients. This transmission could greatly affect patients because the hospitalized patient's risk of nosocomial infection is high. The purpose of this article is to review the data related to the bacterial and fungal contamination of artificial nails and their implications for health care workers. Most of the review describes findings of studies of surgical patients and health care workers who work in surgery departments, but the research applies to any area where there is a risk of transferring potential pathogens to immunocompromised patients.
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation and Graft-versus-Host Disease: A Case Study
Authors: Cimiotti Jeannie
Published: December 2018

Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is an acceptable treatment option for children with hematologic malignancies that are refractory to traditional treatments. Reports in the literature suggest that acute graft-verus-host disease (aGVHD), a common complication of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. aGVHD, a complex immunologic response, is reported in allogeneic transplants in which there is antigen presentation and activation of the donor T cell. The release of cytokines from the activated lymphocytes results in host cell death. This article reports on a 3-year-old child with a hematologic malignancy who, upon relapse, had received an identically matched allogeneic stem cell transplant from a sibling. Prophylaxis against aGVHD included several immunosuppressive agents. The dosage and serum levels of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus were carefully monitored; however, the aGVHD progressed to include the liver and gut. As the child continued to deteriorate the aggressive treatment against aGVHD continued without success. A review of this case of aGVHD will provide nurses a knowledge base that is necessary to provide optimal care to the patient and family members alike.
Role of video capsule endoscopy in patients with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome: report from the International CMMRD Consortium
Authors: Shimamura Y. , Walsh C. M. , Cohen S. , Aronson M. , Tabori U. , Kortan P. P. , Durno C. A. ,   and the International BMMRD Consortium
Published: December 2018

Background and study aims Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome, also known as biallelic mismatch repair deficiency (BMMRD) syndrome is a rare autosomal-recessive genetic disorder that has a high mortality due to malignancy in childhood and early adulthood. The small bowel phenotype in CMMRD is not well described and surveillance protocols for small bowel cancer have not been well established. This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness and clinical impact of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) for small bowel surveillance.

Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively maintained International CMMRD Consortium database. Treating physicians were contacted and VCE report data were extracted using a standardized template.

Results Among 58 patients included in the database, 38 VCE reports were collected from 17 patients. Polypoid lesions were first detected on VCE at a median age of 14 years (range: 4 – 17). Of these, 39 % in 7 patients (15/38) showed large polypoid lesions (> 10 mm) or multiple polyps that prompted further investigations. Consequently, three patients were diagnosed with small bowel neoplasia including one patient with adenocarcinoma. Small bowel neoplasia and/or cancer were confirmed histologically in 35 % of the patients (6/17) who had capsule surveillance and the lesions in half of these patients were initially visualized on VCE. Multiple polyps were identified on eight VCEs that were completed on three patients. Ten VCEs (28 %) were incomplete due to slow bowel transit; none required capsule removal.

Conclusions Small bowel surveillance in patients with CMMRD should be initiated early in life. VCE has the potential to detect polyps; however, small bowel neoplasias are often proximal and can be missed, emphasizing the importance of concurrent surveillance with other modalities.

Meeting presentations Digestive Disease Week 2017 and World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 2016.
Two-year retrospective analysis of patients undergoing direct to procedure flexible sigmoidoscopy investigation with rectal bleeding as a primary complaint
Authors: Nguyen Henry H. , Bechara Robert , Paterson William G. , Hookey Lawrence C.
Published: December 2018

Background and aims Rectal bleeding affects ~15 % of the general population and is a common reason for referral to gastroenterologists by primary care physicians. Direct to procedure flexible sigmoidoscopy is an appealing modality to investigate rectal bleeding due its diagnostic yield, safety profile, and accessibility. Patients referred on a routine basis for direct to procedure clinic by primary care physicians with the sole complaint of rectal bleeding have not previously been studied. Our study aims to explore the spectrum of diagnoses and evaluate for potential clinical predictors of underlying pathology in this specific patient population.

Methods In total, 528 charts of patients referred to the Kingston General Hospital and Hotel Dieu Hospital endoscopy units (Kingston, Canada) with the sole complaint of rectal bleeding were reviewed. All of these patients were referred on a routine basis to direct to procedure clinic from primary care physicians. The performance of various clinical variables in predicting significant pathology was assessed by univariate analysis.

Results The diagnostic spectrum of the cohort studied included hemorrhoids (75.5 %), anal fissures (4 %), ulcerative colitis (3.2 %), Crohn’s disease (1.1 %), indeterminate proctitis/colitis (1.7 %), and colorectal malignancy (2.7 %). Of the various clinical variables assessed, only male sex predicted significant pathology (25.2 % of males vs 17.6 % of females, P < 0.05).

Conclusion Our study highlights the need for a thorough investigation of rectal bleeding given the lack of clinical predictors. Future prospective studies with more patients are needed to fully assess the utility of various clinical variables in predicting pathology in this patient population. This would allow for more effective triaging of a routine rectal bleeding, a very common reason for patient referral to gastroenterologists by primary care physicians. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was not associated with complications or missed diagnosis in our study. As such, the technique appears to be a suitable initial investigative modality for patients with rectal bleeding.
Assessment of bowel cleansing quality in colon capsule endoscopy using machine learning: a pilot study
Authors: Buijs Maria Magdalena , Ramezani Mohammed Hossain , Herp Jürgen , Kroijer Rasmus , Kobaek-Larsen Morten , Baatrup Gunnar , Nadimi Esmaeil S.
Published: December 2018

Background and study aims The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning-based model to classify bowel cleansing quality and to test this model in comparison to a pixel analysis model and assessments by four colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) readers.

Methods A pixel analysis and a machine learning-based model with four cleanliness classes (unacceptable, poor, fair and good) were developed to classify CCE videos. Cleansing assessments by four CCE readers in 41 videos from a previous study were compared to the results both models yielded in this pilot study.

Results The machine learning-based model classified 47 % of the videos in agreement with the averaged classification by CCE readers, as compared to 32 % by the pixel analysis model. A difference of more than one class was detected in 12 % of the videos by the machine learning-based model and in 32 % by the pixel analysis model, as the latter tended to overestimate cleansing quality. A specific analysis of unacceptable videos found that the pixel analysis model classified almost all of them as fair or good, whereas the machine learning-based model identified five out of 11 videos in agreement with at least one CCE reader as unacceptable.

Conclusions The machine learning-based model was superior to the pixel analysis in classifying bowel cleansing quality, due to a higher sensitivity to unacceptable and poor cleansing quality. The machine learning-based model can be further improved by coming to a consensus on how to classify cleanliness of a complete CCE video, by means of an expert panel.